Marching Andy Murray’s a massive threat to me, insists Roger Federer

Looking good: Roger Federer faces Lleyton Hewitt in the third round after beating Simon Greul
13 April 2012

Roger Federer admitted today that Andy Murray is a serious threat to his bid for a record-equalling sixth successive US Open title.

Murray has received the backing of stars including Andre Agassi and John McEnroe and Federer understands why, following the Scot's rise up the world rankings to No2 this year.

The Swiss, who will face Lleyton Hewitt in the third round after his 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Simon Greul last night, said: "Andy is definitely in the best shape of his life and has one more year of experience. He's got a great chance to do well this year.

"I think Andy deserves a few picks because he's played so well. The only thing is that he hasn't won is a slam yet but he's still quite young. It's not like the guy is 35 years old and, obviously, he has still got time."

Murray, who will play his second- round match against Paul Capdeville, of Chile, tomorrow, is taking nothing for granted and the heavy fall he took while recording a straight sets win over Ernests Gulbis highlighted the potential pitfalls in every round of the final major of the tennis year.

Murray said: "The draw only opens up when you get to those stages. My second-round opponent is solid and I have to focus on that. Against Gulbis, I served well to close the sets out although I lost my concentration a little bit at times. I could have been more solid when I was ahead."

Federer is set to face Hewitt for the 23rd time and the Swiss has won the last 13 in a row. Hewitt, the 31st seed, defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 and said: "There's not a lot of guys that have been able to beat Roger - especially here.

"He started his run here in 2004 in the final against me and, so it would be nice if I could finish it! He is obviously extremely confident at the moment, coming off the last two majors and it's going to take someone to play a great match against him.

"Not too many guys have been able to find the perfect recipe for playing Roger. Rafa [Nadal] is probably the only guy that does have a great record against him."

Nadal got his US Open title quest under way with a routine 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Richard Gasquet, the French player who is only just back from a two- month ban for cocaine use. The Spaniard insists he is fitter than in previous years thanks to the enforced two- month lay-off caused by the knee injuries that meant he couldn't defend his French Open and Wimbledon titles.

Nadal said: "I am fresher than ever in this tournament but I don't know if this is good. Every year I play a little bit better which I did making the semi-final last year. I am watching a lot of players with the bandage on the knees - not only me. So maybe somebody will have to think about that and find out why we have lots of knee injuries."

There was also a win for 13th seed Gael Monfils, of France, over fellow countryman Jeremy Chardy 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Murray has urged captain John Lloyd to select 19-year-old Dan Evans, the world No309, as the second singles player for the vital relegation Davis Cup tie with Poland in Liverpool, starting on 18 September.

Murray said: "I want Dan to play and we need to start looking to the future. He is a good player and is talented."


Chris Jones on Andy Murray's chances at the US Open

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