Murray eyes third title
London, June 18: Andy Murray says he has only a couple of years left at the top of men’s tennis, but the world number one has no intention of relaxing just yet as he sets his sights on a third Wimbledon title.
While Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have defied the ageing process to win Grand Slams into their 30s, Murray believes that is the exception rather than the norm.
With that in mind, the 30-year-old knows he must maximise his chances of adding to his haul of three Grand Slam crowns while he is at his peak.
“My coach, Ivan Lendl, was still competitive at the top until he was about 32 but, generally, over the past 20 to 30 years, normally by early 30s is when players have struggled to stay at the top,” Murray told the BBC.
“I know some of the players have been doing really well until their mid30s recently, but that might not be the case with me.
“Maybe the next couple of years are the last few where I have a chance to compete for the majors and the biggest tournaments,” he said.
Fortunately for Murray’s hopes of more silverware, he heads into the grass-court campaign back in form after his run to the French Open semis ended a frustrating period marred by problems with injuries and illness.
The Scot, who has battled shingles, an elbow injury and the flu in 2017, was beaten by Stan Wawrinka in five sets on the clay at Roland Garros.
But Murray is confident he has rediscovered his rhythm in time to mount a strong defence of the Wimbledon crown he won for a second time last year.
The road to Wimbledon begins across west London at the Queen’s Club next week, when Murray will aim to win grass-court event for third successive year.