Andy Murray In Tokyo Hoping To Defend Two Titles

Written by: Staff on 1st October 2012

Andy Murray In Tokyo Hoping To Defend Two Titles

epa03390371 Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts as he plays Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during their semifinal match on the thirteenth day of the 2012 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 08 September 2012. The US Open runs through Sunday 09 September 2012. EPA/LARRY W. SMITH |

The year-end ATP wrap-up event in London remains the prime late-season goal for Andy Murray, with the Scot hoping for a better showing at home than he had as he fizzled out in 2011 with injury and fatigue.

The No. 3 is resuming this week as he defends singles and doubles titles in Tokyo at the Japan Open. But after winning three straight Asian titles in as many weeks a year ago, he realizes he might have also compromised his fitness,

“That was a very disappointing finish to the year,” said the Scot as he prepares for a challenging start at the Ariake Coliseum against Frenchman Gael Monfils in the first round. “I want to be 100 percent fit and healthy for that event, I want to try and finish this year well.”

Murray heads a Tokyo field which includes Czech Tomas Berdych on the second seeding ahead of Serb and world No. 9 Janko Tipsarevic.

“I think I’ve improved mentally this year and physically as well,” said the US Open champion and Olympic gold medalist. I’ve got to keep improving. At my age (25) it’s important to learn and try to get better. There is a lot of depth at the top of the game, it’s very strong.

“If you want to improve your ranking and win more events you have to find ways to keep improving your game.”

Topics: Andy Murray, ATP tennis news, British tennis news, Gael Monfils, Janko Tipsarevic, London year end finals, Scottish tennis news, Tomas Berdych