A CONFIDENT Andy Murray says he will go into the US Open feeling calmer and less stressed than in previous years.
The Scot goes into the final major event of the year in fine form, mentally and physically, chasing a third Grand Slam title.
“Probably in the last couple of years, I was coming in pretty stressed,” said Murray, who is seeded third in New York. “I had problems with my back and was struggling to deal with that. I wasn’t enjoying the practising, the preparation, because I was in pain, so I found it difficult, but now I feel healthier, I feel calmer, I feel more relaxed, and that’s how I feel different.”
The 28-year-old has been consulting a psychiatrist this year who has helped him to understand the way his mind works, particularly under pressure. And now the back issue is behind him, Murray believes he is in the kind of shape to make another good run at Flushing Meadows, where he won his first Grand Slam title in 2012.
“I don’t think many players would say that going through back surgery in the middle of the peak years of their career is particularly beneficial,” he said. “But I’ve worked extremely hard to get back to where I am just now.
“I’ll keep working hard to hopefully have a good run here and put myself in a position to win the event.”
Murray has played more matches than anyone else on Tour this year and he is making sure he does not overdo his off-court training as he builds towards his opener against Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
“I’m doing shorter, more specific work, because I feel like I’ve done enough work the last few weeks and I just need to get my game ready for the beginning of the event,” he said.
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