Murray On Cusp Of Major Milestone

Big changes in the beginning of 2016 summoned a big season for Andy Murray so far, one that puts him in a position to become just the fourth player in the Open Era – Rod Laver (‘69’), Roger Federer (’06-’07, ’09) and Novak Djokovic (’15) – to reach all four major finals in the same year. 

Also, should Murray hoist the US Open trophy in two weeks’ time, the second seed and 2012 champion will move to first place in the Emirates ATP Race to London, unless Djokovic is the man he beats in the final.

“I had, after the Australian Open, quite a big change in my life,” said Murray, whose daughter, Sophia Olivia, was born 7 February. “Becoming a father for the first time – [that’s] the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“Tennis isn’t the most important thing in my life anymore. Probably when I was younger and didn’t have a family, then it was the most important thing. I think having that different perspective helps a lot. Maybe [I’m] not putting so much pressure on myself and before a match I’m not stressing as much as I used to.”

Murray’s fresh perspective seems to be working in his favour. The Dunblane native started the year strongly with a runner-up showing in Melbourne and maintained his momentum. Murray’s 2016 record is 50-7 and he’s added four more trophies to his cabinet, including titles at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Rome, Queen’s Club, Wimbledon and a gold medal in Rio.

“I would imagine if I’m lucky I’d be playing at this level for three, four more years, max,” Murray, age 29, laughed, “I hope I’m still playing like this when I’m 38 years old.”

Coming off a final showing at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati (l. to Cilic), Murray looks to put last year’s US Open result (l. to Anderson in the fourth round) far behind him. In the same half as Stan Wawrinka, the Scot opens his campaign this year against Czech Lukas Rosol, who he’s met twice before (Murray leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry 2-0).

Read Full Draw Preview