Aus Open strong contender makes no tall claims
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Confident and raring to go: Britain's Andy Murray in action during a training session ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Saturday. pic/AFP |
Aus Open strong contender makes no tall claimsAndy Murray sees a more competitive field at this year's Australian Open with Roger Federer less formidable than before, but he played down his favourite tag on Saturday.
Some bookies are tipping the Scot for the trophy, sparking a rebuke from Federer this week who backed his own chances for lifting a fourth Australian Open title.
Murray said it didn't matter if he was favourite or not.
"I don't have a problem whether I'm a favorite or not," he said.
"I guess Roger would prefer to be favourite himself. That's absolutely fine. But it doesn't change my mindset going into the tournament at all."
Murray, ranked 4, has beaten World No 2 Federer twice this month. But overcoming the Swiss great, and top-ranked Rafael Nadal, on the big stage in Melbourne will be a different matter.
Murray acknowledges this, but also feels the playing field this year is more even.
"I think this year it's going to be a little bit more competitive, there's going to be some new guys coming through as well, doing well in the big tournaments."
Speaking about his game, Murray said that his mental game was now much better. "I think my mindset going into matches is much better now because I've been playing consistently well," he said.
"So I'm going into each match confident, not as many nerves. In the past I've been a little bit erratic with my performances. I feel like now I've sort of become more consistent. That's made a big difference."
