Andy Murray confident in grass court skills after Saturday hit-out with Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray has faith in his ability to mix it with the best on grass despite a difficult few years on the tour.

Murray hasn’t outright stated his intention to win Wimbledon but feels that he will be competitive across the fortnight.

He hopes to use his experience to glean an advantage over the rest of the field.

“I want to go out there and perform at a level that I’m happy with. I do feel like I’m in a really, really good position to do that. I have the experience at this tournament, playing on the big courts here,” Murray said.

“There’s only one player in the draw that has more experience of playing here than me, which is Novak. I need to use that to my advantage and use my experience to my advantage and take confidence from that.

“I do believe I’m one of the best grass-court players in the world, and I’m physically feeling really good. I prepared well, so there’s no reason why I can’t have a good tournament.”

Murray feels that Wimbledon is still the big one for him and is an event where he can really make an impact.

“It’s always been the most important tournament for me in the year,” Murray said.

“Regardless of how I was feeling coming in, I would always do my best to be ready for this one, even if there were some physical issues, niggles, what have you. I’d always give my best. But obviously as you get towards the latter stage of your career, you want to make the most of these opportunities because you don’t know how many more times they’ll be here.”

Few players feel as at home at Wimbledon as Murray and that might make a difference as the Scot prepares for his 15th Championships.

“I feel very comfortable in these surroundings. I love coming to play the tournament here,” Murray said. “When I walk out onto Centre Court to play, obviously I’m very nervous, but incredibly excited to get the chance to perform here again on one of, if not the most special court, in our sport.

“I always really look forward to it. I’m feeling already, a couple days out from the tournament, a bit nervous and stuff, which is always a really positive sign to me when I feel that way. Hopefully that bodes well for the event.”

Murray practised with old rival Novak Djokovic on Saturday and was pleased with his outing.

“I did well in the practice. The last time we hit together was at Laver Cup [last September]. Before then, it had been quite a long time. It was maybe in Australia when I was having the issues with my hip,” Murray said.

“Where I am today in comparison to where I was then is night and day, just from a mental perspective, my enjoyment of the game, and how I’m still able to compete with those guys. I didn’t feel like I could really back then. I am happy to be in this position still.”

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