Sunday Express

MURRAY: I WILL ROAR BACK TO THE TOP

THE FRENCH OPEN 2020

- By Neil Mcleman

ANDY MURRAY claims he is potentiall­y six months away from returning to the top of the rankings – but admits he has a nightmare opening match against Stan Wawrinka at the French Open today.

The world No.111, who is playing on a wildcard, has been drawn to face the No.16 seed in his first clay court match for over three years. Murray’s latest comeback from his hip resurfacin­g operation has been disrupted by Covid-19.

But the double Olympic champion showed he still has game by beating world No.7 Alex Zverev at the Western & Southern Open before the German went on to I am able to compete in the reach the US Open final. tournament­s I want to, and practice

And Murray, who won a five-set properly, I will definitely win some epic in the first round in New York, more tournament­s and have some said: “I would love six months of more good wins.” consistent practice, tournament­s, Murray faces another comeback resting, with a smooth schedule. kid – and fellow three-time Grand

‘‘The thing which is hard is that Slam winner – in Wawrinka today. where I am ranked now, for The Swiss ace, 35, underwent example, I can feel good two knee operations after this week – and then I beating the Scot in the draw Stan in the first 2017 French Open round. semi-finals –

‘‘Like in Cincinnati Murray’s last match I beat Zverev, who in Paris. was seeded three. “We have always Where I am seeded got on well,” said the now it means I am former world No.1. “I playing the best players would say the last few early in tournament­s, years we have

STRONG: Stan Wawrinka and with the two-year probably been ranking system it’s a lot harder to closer, like I message him bit, he improve your ranking. messages me after matches and

“That’s the thing which will be tournament­s with both of us challengin­g, making sure you turn going through the various up for the tournament­s ready, play injury problems around the and win against the top players same time. early on in the events. Rely a bit on ‘‘There is a mutual respect draws and hopefully get a few there. I am glad he has breaks along the way. managed to get himself back to

‘‘I am aware it will be really hard playing top tennis after a pretty to get back up there but I feel if I nasty knee issue. He is a great, can have five or six months where great player and a good guy.”

 ??  ?? UP FOR IT: Andy Murray still has big ambitions
UP FOR IT: Andy Murray still has big ambitions

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