‘Win against Djokovic huge boost for Murray’

Glasgow, Aug 18:

Former British tennis player Jamie Baker believes new World No.2 Andy Murray’s Rogers Cup final win over top-ranked Novak Djokovic of Serbia is a “huge psychological boost” ahead of the US Open which starts on August 31.

The 28-year-old triumphed over Djokovic 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in Montreal, thus ending his eight-game losing streak against the Serb.

“For Andy, it’s all about adding to the two Grand Slams he already has,” Baker was quoted as saying by bbc.com on Monday.

“Everyone involved in the game assumes that to win more he’s going to have to get past Novak Djokovic. It’s a huge win for Andy.”

“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.”

Murray had earlier beaten Djokovic in the 2012 US Open and again did the same in 2013 Wimbledon, but since then he had failed to get past the 28-year-old against whom he had lost four times in 2015- in the Australian Open final, Indian Wells semi-final, Miami final and French Open semi-final.

“In the last few months Andy has been much closer to Djokovic,” said 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,” added Baker. (IANS)