Andy Murray: I want to take on Roger Federer and co knowing I have a chance to win

ATP Tour
Andy Murray

Andy Murray has set himself a “four to five month” target to compete at the highest level in tennis again that will see him not only compete against the likes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but also feeling like he can beat them.

The three-time Grand Slam winner has only played two ATP Tour-level singles matches since returning from hip surgery, losing both as he made first-round exits at Cincinnati and Winston-Salem.

He then dropped down to the ATP Challenger Tour as he tried to step up his fitness and won two matches at the Rafa Nadal Open before exiting.

However, the main aim is to play on the ATP Tour and not just any level as he wants to hit the top again and compete and beat Federer and Nadal.

“For years, obviously, I competed against them, although I haven’t won every time against them. I have lost more than I have won [but] I always went out onto court feeling like I could win,” he told Sky Sports.

“I don’t know if I would enjoy going out on the court against them knowing that I am going to lose or feeling like I had no chance!

“That would probably be psychologically quite challenging for me. But maybe in four or five months, I can get there. I need to be patient and not expect too much too soon.

“But in terms of how I am hitting the ball in practice, that is still there. The skill is still there, I just physically need to get a little better and hopefully over time I get a little bit faster and I think I will.”

Murray could get a chance to compete against some of the world’s players again in November as Great Britain will take part in the revamped Davis Cup Finals in Spain.

He is keen to play, but he also wants to earn his spot on the team.

“If I am selected I will play. I don’t want to play or be selected just because four years ago I played really well,” he said.

“The Davis Cup should be based on who the best players are and the best players who give us a chance of winning. Right now I am not playing as well as Dan [Evans] and Kyle [Edmund] or Cameron Norrie.

“Potentially doubles, I would like to help and be in the team and play singles but if I was asked to play doubles I would probably do that.”

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