Andy Murray sets sights on taking world No 1 crown from Novak Djokovic next year as he gears up for US Open tilt
Brit is looking for his second US Open title and fourth grand slam in all having won Wimbledon this summer
ANDY MURRAY reckons he can dethrone Novak Djokovic as the world No 1 . . . by next spring.
But, as for Djokovic’s claim he is struggling to overcome a wrist injury ahead of his US Open title defence, Murray will believe it when he sees it.
The Scot said: “I would love to get to No 1 but it’s more of a long-term thing.
“You look at the year as a whole and even beyond that. If you want to reach that, for me, March-April time is a more realistic chance than doing it this year.
“But I need to continue what I’m doing, the consistency I’ve had the last few months.
“A lot of times that would have been enough for No 1 but not now, because of how great Novak’s been.”
Djokovic, 29, has struggled since winning the French Open in June.
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‘Private issues’ derailed him at Wimbledon and he developed a problem in his left wrist which contributed to his first-round exit in Rio and has restricted him to just six singles matches since SW19.
Olympic champion Murray, also 29, said: “I’ve had a long summer as well. My body is not fresh and my body is not perfect either.
“I’ve played a lot of tennis and I think often it’s been the case at the US Open that guys at this stage of this year are fatigued. Especially ones that have been competing for the Majors throughout the year.
“Novak we will see on Monday if his wrist is fine. I am sure he wouldn’t be risking it if it was bad.
“Then he is coming in fresh because he has not played loads the last few weeks.
“My advantage is I have played a lot of matches and am coming in with confidence knowing physically I am in good shape.”
After becoming the first player to defend an Olympic singles title, Murray — who faces Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic on Tuesday — is chasing more history in New York.
He could be only the fourth player since tennis went pro in 1968 to reach all four Grand Slam finals in the same year.
Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Djokovic are the members of that exclusive club — but none made the Olympic final as well.
Murray said: “That would be big. It’s not something that happens regularly. But because of the guys who have been around just now, again, it seems to happen a lot.
“It’s a big challenge. I feel I’m in a position to have a good run here.”