Murray cheering on pumped-up Novak

ANDY MURRAY reckons a snarling Novak Djokovic is almost back to his best.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Murray was back at SW19 yesterday ahead of his planned return from a hip injury in Washington later this month.

And the Scot insists Djokovic, who won the last of his 12 Grand Slams more than two years ago, is a real challenger to Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.

Positive

The Serb takes on Japan’s Kei Nishikori on Centre Court today – a decision that saw Federer, chasing a ninth singles title, shunted out to Court One.

And after seeing a fiery Djokovic react to a partisan crowd in his win over British No.1 Kyle Edmund, Murray said: “Novak could beat both Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.

“He has a great shot. He has said the mental side was difficult for him last year.

“And there was a dip in motivation after winning all four Slams in 2015-16.

“I like to see him reacting to being booed by the crowd like he was this year, it helped his performance, it was a positive.

“He is really pumped at the end of matches. He is back to where he needs to be.”

Djokovic, who has played just one of his four matches this year on Centre, insisted after his last-16 win he “deserved” to be on the biggest stage today.

But Federer, facing Kevin Anderson, has suffered his first Centre Court snub since the quarter-finals in 2015.

Meanwhile, Juan Martin del Potro admits he is an underdog in a field of former champions ahead of a clash with Nadal.

The Argentine said: “The favourites are Rafa and Roger but the other six players are fighting for that big goal.”