Andy Murray’s stunning start to 2009 has got people asking whether Britain’s 73-year wait is over, and it’s not just easily excitable Brits that are sensing that a Grand Slam title is on the cards.
Murray and former world number one Roger Federer’s paths have crossed twice already since the new year and the Scot has triumphed impressively on both occasions. The British number one’s latest victory came in the semi-final of the Qatar Open and marked Murray’s fifth win over Federer in seven ATP meetings. An impressive record from a player that Federer was less than impressed with when the pair met last March.
The Swiss world number two claimed that Murray hadn’t changed his game since they played each other for the very first time, and that he was waiting for opponent’s mistakes rather than going for winners.
But following Murray’s recent successes, Federer has been forced to admit that the Scot has improved his game. He said after his defeat:
“If the question is whether Murray is going to win a grand slam, then ‘yes’. As the years go by, his chances increase because he is becoming a better player.” – World number two Roger Federer on Andy Murray’s Grand Slam title hopes
Murray’s fine form has unsurprisingly made him one of the favourites for the Australian Open, which gets underway in a week’s time. But he has so far refused to get caught up in the pre-tournament hype. “I don’t want to get too carried away. I just need to concentrate on each match and fight hard as every round will be tough.”