Can Andy Murray win the US Open?

 

Novak Djokovic will head into the US Open as the favourite and the man to beat, but Andy Murray should be quietly confident about his chances of lifting the trophy. Murray has enjoyed a lot of success, winning the tournament in 2004 as a junior and again in 2012 after beating Djokovic in the final to win his first Grand Slam.

The Scot has enjoyed a good year so far on the tennis court, reaching a final and two semi finals in the three Grand Slams so far, and if he can produce the same level of tennis as he’s done in the previous slams, he should fancy his chances of winning. Had it not been for a ten minute lack of concentration, he may well have beaten the world number one at the Australian Open.

Murray will be seeded either 2nd or 3rd for the US Open, and he will be hoping to be in the opposite side of the Draw to Djokovic; if this is the case he will really fancy his chances of making the final, although he would like to avoid playing Rafael Nadal early on, despite the Spaniards recent dip in form.

Murray seems to be in a really good place on and off the court, he seems to have a great relationship with Jonas Bjorkman, and his tennis has improved since having him on board. Off the court, life seems to be going very well for him too, he’s recently married and he’s soon to be a dad. Novak Djokovic has spoken of the positive impact having a child has had on his tennis. Since having his son last October, Novak has won seven of the nine big tournaments he’s been in, including both Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

If Murray is to win the US Open he will most likely have to overcome Djokovic at some point, whether it’s in the semi final or the final. The Serbian has won their previous eight meetings and this is a run that Murray will surely end soon. The Scot has come very close to adding to his tally of two slams, but Djokovic has ended up coming out on top.

Ivan Lendl has really brought the best out of Murray, whilst coaching him and his current form isn’t far from the level he was producing when he won his two slams. Murray has the game to beat any player but on several occasions he has let things distract him; this happened when he played Djokovic in the Australian Open final, with Murray admitting after the final that he had been distracted by Djokovic’s fitness problems. Had Murray not been distracted I firmly believe had would have went on to win the match. If the Scot learns to focus on just himself, and not what’s going on elsewhere, that will greatly enhance his chances of success.

Murray should look back at his 2012 US Open final victory over Djokovic for inspiration heading into the tournament. This is a tournament he favours, and if he plays anywhere near his best Andy Murray has a great chance of winning the championship.