Monday, 17 August 2015

Andy Murray win over Novak Djokovic is huge - Jamie Baker

Andy Murray is unbeaten this year in matches when he has won the first set
Andy Murray's Rogers Cup final win over Novak Djokovic is a "huge psychological boost" for the US Open, says former British number two Jamie Baker.
The Scot, 28, ended an eight-match losing run against the world number one to prevail 6-4 4-6 6-3 in Montreal.
"For Andy, it's all about adding to the two Grand Slams he already has," said Baker, a former Davis Cup player.
"Everyone involved in the game assumes that to win more he's going to have to get past Novak Djokovic."
Murray beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and did so again to triumph at Wimbledon in 2013.
However, Sunday's success in Canada was his first against the Serb since he ended Britain's 77-year wait for men's singles glory at SW19.
"It's a huge win for Andy," added Baker, who is now a BBC pundit.
"Although Andy's consistency in the Grand Slams has been unbelievable throughout his career, he is in such a tough era.
"A top athlete would never admit it, but you definitely get these psychological barriers.
"That's why people like Roger Federer, who has been so dominant, have an advantage.
"There is a locker room power - a belief from the players at the very top that they are going to win - versus doubt in their opponents."
Djokovic (left) leads Murray 19-9 in their career head-to-head record
Djokovic (left) leads Murray 19-9 in their career head-to-head record
Prior to Murray's win in Montreal, his 35th career title, he had lost four times to Djokovic in 2015 - in the Australian Open final, Indian Wells semi-final, Miami final and French Open semi-final.
The clash at Roland Garros went to a fifth set after Murray had lost the first two but this time he managed to take the opening set, breaking serve twice to do so.
The British number one from Dunblane, who is now up to second in the world rankings, is unbeaten in 48 matches when winning the first set this year.
"In the last few months Andy has been much closer to Djokovic," added Baker, who retired in 2013.
"If he does end up playing him in New York, it's going to be a semi-final or the final if the rankings stay the same, and he doesn't want to go in thinking he has an absolute mountain to climb.
"Andy's record on the American hard courts is fantastic. He's a favourite going into this one, there's no question about that.
"But he still has to get past Federer and Djokovic and to do that he'll need to be at his very best."

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