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TENNIS FRENCH OPEN Former Roland-Garros king Mats reckons Murray is struggling from identity crisis over being world No.1
MATS WILANDER has claimed Andy Murray is suffering from an “identity crisis” before he starts his French Open campaign today.
And the world No.1’s first opponent wants to make the out-of-sorts Scot really sick by knocking him out in the opening round.
Murray added a bout of flu to his woes last week after a terrible start to the season where he has also suffered from shingles and an elbow injury – and lost five of his last 10 matches.
The Wimbledon champion has admitted he’s struggled for motivation after topping the rankings late last year.
The size of his task here was shown yesterday when defending champion Novak Djokovic and favourite Rafa Nadal won in straight sets. And three-time champion Wilander said: “With Murray, I would say we are talking about a little identity crisis. “Maybe not even he believed he would remain at the top and maybe he was not mentally prepared to handle the pressure. “And when the best dip in form, the others take confidence because they think they can beat him.”
That is certainly the case today for world No.85 Andrey Kuznetsov.
The Russian has lost their two previous meetings – the last in China in October when Murray was starting a run of five consecutive tournament wins.
The Russian said: “In Beijing Andy was on fire and was beating everybody.
“It will feel different this time. I know I can win if I play good.
“I didn’t know he has been ill. I’m sure he will compete tomorrow 100 per cent. If in the middle of the match he will retire I will just be happy. I understand, of course, that Andy is the favourite for this match but I will have chances. I prepared pretty good for this tournament and I’m ready to play to my best.”
Kuznetsov has had major changes in his tennis career over the past 18 months having largely stopped working with his father Alexander.
The Russian, who is now based in Barcelona at the 4Slam academy, said: “He gave me a lot. He was my coach for about 18 or 19 years, since I was a kid, and he taught me everything I still do.”
Anqelique Kerber became the first female No.1 seed to lose in the first round on Sunday. Stefan Edberg is the only male top seed to fall at the first hurdle in 1990.
Murray always struggles with the transition to clay.
Defending champion Djokovic admitted Murray’s struggles this season were understandable.
The world No.2 said: “I can relate to that because I have been through a similar situation. Andy has had an unbelievable year and spent a lot of energy to do what he did. It’s no wonder he felt a little deflated.
“So he needs time to rediscover that sense of urgency and motivation. I’m sure he’ll get back on track.”