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LONDON: British newspapers and former players insisted Tuesday that
Andy Murray was destined for Grand Slam success despite losing in
straight sets to Roger Federer in the US Open final.
The tenacious Scot, 21, was the first British
player to reach a Grand Slam final since Greg Rusedski at the 1997
US Open and was bidding to become the first British man to win a
Grand Slam tournament since Fred Perry in 1936.
But even though he was beaten 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 in
Monday’s final to the Swiss all-time great, commentators were
adamant that Murray’s run to the final was the start of better
things to come.
“Andy has had many big breakthroughs and I
think it is phenomenal how quickly his game is improving—he’s up
to four in the world now, so it’s on to bigger and better
things,” said Tim Henman, Murray’s predecessor as British No. 1.
“There are so many areas he can improve on.
His backhand is as good as there is in the game and he can be a bit
more aggressive on his forehand,” he told the BBC.
Rusedski backed Murray to become the world’s
best—if he can overcome the injuries which have dogged his career
so far.
“Andy will do more than me and Tim did,” he
told Sky Sports television.
“Murray is the new No. 4 in the world but he
is only going to get better and better. I’m sure he will get to
world No. 1. The future for him is Grand Slam finals.
“The only question—will he stay healthy
enough? That’s one of the most important things we need to
consider.”
The Independent newspaper said British tennis
was no longer just about Wimbledon and hailed Murray’s efforts.
“Regardless of last night’s result at
Flushing Meadows, can anyone doubt that it was already a phenomenal
achievement for Andy Murray to have reached the final of the US
Tennis Open?” the daily said in its editorial.
-- AFP
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