Brad Gilbert Expects Andy Murray Work His Way To US Open Title

Written by: Staff on 27th August 2012

Brad Gilbert Expects Andy Murray Work His Way To US Open Title

epa03342659 Andy Murray of Britain in action during the Men's Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the London 2012 Olympic Games Tennis competition in Wimbledon, Greater London, Britain, 05 August 2012. EPA/ANDY RAIN |

Former Andy Murray mentor Brad Gilbert believes his ex-pupil will be well-equipped to deal with any conditions thrown at him as the US Open begins, with rain or heat not expected to be a problems for the Olympic gold medalist.

Gilbert, who guided Murray during his early pro career, used his position as a television commentator to slice and dice the world No. 4 player’s current form, Murray and top seed Roger Federer, whom he beat at Wimbledon for the Olympic medal, are in the same half of the draw.

Californian Gilbert had plenty to say about Murray ‘s potential chances. “The opening week of the Open is lighter because the first round is stretched over three days but at the back end of the tournament you might have to play three days in a row and that is a brutal prospect in the heat in New York ,” said the 50-year-old.

“It will be a big thing to see who is in the best physical shape. It’s going to be about mental strength and how they manage their body. But I feel winning the Olympics is like winning a major for Murray and he will take huge confidence from that.

“If he can sustain that Olympic level for 21 sets, I’ve no doubt he can do it. It was not just that he beat Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in straight sets but the way he did it – by going through guys and not waiting for them to make mistakes.”

Murray is currently coached by Ivan Lendl and starts his campaign against Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Topics: Alexandr Dolgopolov, Andy Murray, Brad Gilbert, Ivan Lendl, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, US Open 2012