Murray: Hard court won’t favour Nadal
ANDY MURRAY has brushed off fears that a sun-baked Centre Court will help his opponent Rafael Nadal as he seeks to become the first British man to reach the Wimbledon final since 1938.
Murray is already the underdog for this afternoon’s semi-final against the Spaniard, who has reclaimed the world No1 spot following an outstanding spring and is on a 12-match winning streak at the All England Club.
But the Scot has rejected suggestions that a surface hardened by a heatwave and almost two weeks of tennis will behave similarly to the clay courts that Nadal bestrides like a colossus.
“I definitely wouldn’t describe the courts here as similar to clay; they’re more like a hard court because the ball’s bouncing pretty high,” said the British No1.
“I think it’s a pretty fair court for both of us. Hopefully I can play well because when I have played him on hard courts before, I’ve always felt like I’ve had chances against him. If I serve well and play like I have been, I’ve got a chance.”
Murray, 23, has cause for optimism, having beaten Nadal in their most recent meeting, and dropped fewer sets at this year’s tournament.
On the other hand the Mallorcan won the title on his last visit to SW19 and, having missed last year through injury, has shown customary grit to reach the last four this time.
So while the Scot accepts he is second favourite, he is refusing to budge from his conviction he can repeat his semi-final victory over Nadal at the 2008 US Open.
“He’s obviously a very tough player on any surface but he plays great tennis here,” Murray added. “He will definitely be the favourite for the match with his results here the last few years. Psychologically I need to believe that I can win the match. That’s the most important thing.”