Andy Murray gunning for Novak Djokovic conflict as Brit needs shot at revenge
Andy Murray mentioned he would like to play Novak Djokovic once more because the Brit is susceptible to drawing his previous rival within the first spherical of Wimbledon. The two-time champion at SW19 narrowly missed out on a seeded spot and will come up towards a high participant from the off. But Murray is prepared for the problem and nonetheless needs to play the Serb once more, even when it’s not at Wimbledon.
Murray beforehand made it no secret that his purpose was to be seeded at Wimbledon this yr. He made strides after profitable back-to-back Challenger titles in Surbiton and Nottingham however a first-round loss at Queen’s noticed his dream come to an finish, as he’s ranked at No 39 whereas the highest 32 get in as seeds.
The former world No 1 might now come up towards anybody in his opening match when a seeding would have ensured that he wouldn’t face anybody within the high 32 spots. But Murray remains to be feeling assured given his latest kind and is able to face even the hardest gamers within the draw.
“Well, ideally, that wouldn’t happen right at the beginning,” he mentioned when requested whether or not he would relish the problem of dealing with somebody like Djokovic as early as spherical one. “I mean, I would obviously want that to happen probably later in the tournament.”
Regardless, Murray backed himself towards powerful opposition within the early rounds. He continued: “But yeah, at the same time, because of the situation. I need to be prepared for that, I need to be ready to play against anyone right from the start.
“And I’ve had some pretty tough you know, first-round draws in the Slams over the last couple of years, so I need to be ready for that. And I think I am.” If it’s Djokovic on the opposite facet of the online on the primary Monday of Wimbledon, Murray will likely be glad to face his previous foe once more.
The pair haven’t met since 2017 and have been on account of face off in Madrid final yr earlier than Murray pulled out with meals poisoning. “Obviously I would love to play against Novak again,” the three-time Major champion mentioned.
“I can’t remember the last time we played, I think it might even have been in like Doha or something like that in 2017 maybe. It was a long time ago. And yeah, I would love the chance to play against him again, whether that’s at Wimbledon or further down the line.
“Yeah, I would like that and I got unfortunate I was supposed to play against him in Madrid and obviously got ill and but yeah, I’d like that chance again.” And Murray additionally thought that he was simply as aggressive as when he used to face Djokovic in battles for Grand Slams and the No 1 rating.
He added: “I’m not any less competitive than I was in the past. I still have a big desire to go out there on the court and compete. I’m aware that I’m in a different situation now but I’m extremely proud of what it is that I’m doing now.
“It’s unbelievably hard and difficult what it is I’ve been through the last few years from a physical perspective. And, yeah, I’m proud of the work that I’ve done to still be out there competing at the highest level.”
The Wimbledon draw will likely be made on Friday when Murray will lastly study his destiny. But a seed wouldn’t be an issue for the Brit given his latest monitor document – he defeated twentieth seed Matteo Berrettini in 5 units throughout his opening match on the Australian Open in January.