Winning the US Open is only the start – now Murray wants more
British No1 Andy Murray believes his US Open victory can be the catalyst for myriad Major successes and has predicted that their is more to yet come from his game.
Murray yesterday became the first British male to win a grand slam title in 76 years when he beat Novak Djokovic over five sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium but while his historical triumph followed his winning of Olympic gold, the 25-year-old is adamant that there remains more for him to achieve.
“I want to keep improving,” said Murray, who had lost each of his four previous grand slam finals. “I know how it feels to win a grand slam, and winning the Olympics. I know how hard it was losing in the Wimbledon final. You want to try to win those big matches and big tournaments and I’ll keep working hard to try to do that.
“I think I’ll get a better feel when I get back on the court and start practising again, I’ll feel what it’s like to have a bit more belief in myself and my shots.
“I could have won Wimbledon this year, I was very close. I know if I’m in that position again I’ll take the same chances, I’ll go for my shots again, and a little bit more confidence and experience of taking my chances in big matches will help me.”
Murray’s record of losing his first four Major finals is one that is shared by coach Ivan Lendl and it cannot be doubted that the latter’s appointment was a significant factor in the Scotsman’s success. Despite his earlier disappointments, Lendl recovered to win eight Major titles and believes that as with he, Murray’s best years could follow his crucial first victory.
“Hopefully, we’re not anywhere near where Andy can get,” he said. “I didn’t come here to have a good time, I came here to help Andy win. He did, so it’s job done.
“Let’s hope he can continue and rake up more.”
Scotsman celebrates Major win with soda sensation
THE most important topic surrounding his US Open victory, of course, was what Andy Murray did to celebrate.
With the city of New York to explore – albeit without the necessary energy, having played nearly 5 hours of tennis against one of the game’s greats in
Novak Djokovic – Murray and his party headed to Chinese restaurant Hakkasan and consumed food and drink to the value of $6,448 (£5,157).
Apparently content with his on-court victory, Murray resisted the urge to consume alcohol and drank a solitary $6 (£3.70) soda. And after only being asked to cover the service charge, the final bill came to only $1,289 (£802).