Rusedski Doubts Andy Murray Can Reach Number One

Written by: Staff on 23rd May 2013

Rusedski Doubts Andy Murray Can Reach Number One

epa03665824 Andy Murray of Britain returns the ball to Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France during their second round match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 17 April 2013. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER |

Former player and British television commentator Greg Rusedski fears for Andy Murray’s dream of reaching the No. 1 ranking after the Scot made his dramatic injury withdrawal from the French Open. Murray pulled out four days before the start of the Paris Grand Slam with back pain which has bothered him seriously in recent days.

Now the No. 2 must concentrate on regaining fitness and hoping for a start in just over a fortnight on the grass at Queen’s Club, and after that , Wimbledon, where he played the final a year ago against Roger Federer.

But Rusedski now says Murray’s chances of overtaking Novak Djokovic for the top ATP ranking this season are compromised: “His opportunity to end the year at No.1 will be difficult,” said Rusedski, a former US Open finalist.

“It looked like the battle for No.1 was going to be between Andy and Novak Djokovic until Rafa Nadal returned from injury (and won six titles from eight tournaments in 2013). Now all three of them are fighting for top spot.”

Rusedski forgot to include No. 3 Federer. If the 17-time Grand Slam winner gets to the final in Paris, he replaces Murray on the second ranking spot, according to preliminary calculations.

But Rusedski appears to see the logic in Murray’s decision to skip Paris “I always say it’s better to be a little bit cautious even if it means missing one event and making sure you’re healthy for the rest of the season.” Murray reached the French semi-finals in 2011 and played a quarter-final in 2012.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Andy Murray, British tennis news, French Open, French Open withdraws, Greg Rusedski, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News