In year of struggles, Andy Murray enters U.S. Open prepared to win

Omnisport

In year of struggles, Andy Murray enters U.S. Open prepared to win image

Andy Murray believes he has never been better prepared for a grand slam ahead of his bid for a second U.S. Open title.

Murray and the world's best players begin play Monday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. His first-round match is against Robin Haase.

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Murray, 27, who won his first tennis major at Flushing Meadows two years ago, has endured an under-par 2014 after back surgery late last year.

He lost in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and last four at the French Open. His Wimbledon title defense ended with a straight-sets defeat to Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals.

He enters the Open having lost 14 of his 48 ATP Tour matches.

Murray's relative inconsistency saw him plunge to ninth place in the world rankings. However, he believes his build-up to the Open has been perfect.

"This year would be the best prepared I have been coming into a slam," Murray said. "I got a great training block over in Miami done, so physically I'm where I would want to be.

"My body is pain-free, which is good. Yeah, I feel ready."

Murray's five-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2012 Open final means he goes into this year's draw as one of three men to have won the tournament before — along with Djokovic and Roger Federer.  Defending champion Rafael Nadal withdrew because of a wrist injury.

Experience stands him in good stead as he bids for a third slam title, Murray said.

"I don't think it's a negative in any way. I don't know if that's due to pressure or, you know, experience or whatever — being comfortable in these surroundings and having good memories."

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