Bring on Novak Djokovic and co, says Andy Murray

Andy Murray is coming off a “disastrous” final warm-up match, but still believes he is in brilliant shape ahead of Wimbledon and admits he “would love” to play Novak Djokovic.

Former world No 1 Murray flopped big time in his exhibition match at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham Club as he went down 6-4, 6-4 against Holger Rune.

The three-time Grand Slam winner was obviously not too happy with his display after the match, but also saw his glass as half full as he was determined to “build on this”.

But attention has already turned to Wimbledon and, after just missing out on a seeding for the grass-court Grand Slam, there is a real danger that Murray will draw one of the top players in the first round.

Although he would rather avoid the big guns early on, Murray wouldn’t mind facing 23-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic again.

“I would love the chance to play against him again, whether that’s at Wimbledon or further down the line,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. “I was supposed to play against him in Madrid last year and got ill, but I’d like that chance again.

“I’ve never been the best in practice matches and I think there are some positive signs for me.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of guys who would want to draw me in the first round.”

Murray and Djokovic have met 36 times with the latter leading their head-to-head 25-11. Their last encounter took place in January 2017 in the Qatar Open final – before Murray underwent career-saving hip surgery.

Of course they have played two legendary matches at Wimbledon – the 2013 Wimbledon final when Murray ended Great Britain’s wait for a men’s title winner and the 2012 London Olympics when he again got the better of Djokovic in the semi-final before going on to win gold in the final.

But back then Murray was at his peak and he hasn’t reached the business end of the Grand Slams for a good few years, although he would love to change that at Wimbledon over the next fortnight.

The 36-year-old has made inroads this year as he has returned to the top 40 of the ATP Rankings on the back of some impressive displays and he feels the hard work is finally paying off.

Murray added: “From a physical perspective I definitely feel better going in than in recent years. In rankings I’m higher than I have been, too, because I’ve been able to compete regularly on the tour for the past 12 months.”

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