Murray pessimistic over US Open chances
Murray begins his US Open campaign tomorrow against Robert Kendrick
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Monday, 28, Aug 2006 10:31
Andy Murray has played down his chances of US Open glory despite an impressive run of form under new coach Brad Gilbert.
The 19-year old Scot reached the last eight of the Cincinnati Masters and the semi-finals of the Toronto Masters in the last three weeks, which included a straight sets win over defending US Open champion Roger Federer.
But Murray, who lies 19th in the world rankings, has insisted that he will not have grand slam glory in mind when he begins his campaign tomorrow against American qualifier Robert Kendrick.
"I don't think physically I'm good enough to win a grand slam yet. It may take a few years," he said.
"I can play five-set matches but you have to play them back to back and if I have a lot of long matches, I'm probably not strong enough yet."
Murray has a tough draw and could face big hitting Fernando Gonzalez in round three and Nikolai Davidenko in the fourth round.
Elsewhere, British veterans Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski will face off on Tuesday at Flushing Meadows.
The winner is likely to face world number one Federer in the second round with the Swiss ace beginning the defence of his title against Taipei's Wang Yeu-Tzuoo.
Andre Agassi will take his final bow in New York by competing in the final Grand Slam of the season.
The 36-year-old, the US Open champion in 1994 and 1999, will face Andre Pavel in the early hours on Arthur Ashe court.
Agassi, who was runner up last year to Federer, could face in-form Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in round two and will be hoping to retire from the event on a high like his rival Pete Sampras achieved in 2002 after beating Agassi in a memorable final.