Former British player and current television pundit Greg Rusedski has made big plans – in his own head – for compatriot Andy Murray, with the Canadian-born former US Open finalist suggesting that Murray make it his goal to take over the No. 1 ranking someday. That thought might have also entered Murray’s mind as the Scot recovers his fitness in Florida after September back surgery.
“I think Andy’s motivated to try and get ahead of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer and to get to No 1. That’s got to be his goal now. He’s been No 2, he’s won two majors. I think you have to refocus,” Rusedski told British media.
Rusedski said that Murray’s quarter-final loss in September as he defending his title a the US Open showed that he still has some work to do. Other commentators have noted that Murray’s form took a dip after he earned his historic Wimbledon tittle last summer, possibly to due with his back issues.
“You could see at the US Open, when he lost to Stan Wawrinka, that he wasn’t able to generate enough power on the ball and his movement was affected,” said Rusedski. “But he’s such a good player that he could usually get away with it.”
If all goes according to plan, the fourth-ranked Murray will dip his toes back into the tennis waters in late December at the rich Abu Dhabi exhibition before returning to the ATP a week later in Doha, which he won in 2008-09.
©Daily Tennis News Wire
Topics: Andy Murray, British Tennis, Greg Rusedski, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News