Novak: Mental strength is key

Novak Djokovic
12 April 2012

Novak Djokovic is in no doubt Andy Murray has the game to win the US Open.

But the world number one knows only too well that it is mental strength that can prove the difference between success and falling just short.

"This is a very mental sport so I think, playing at the top level for the last couple of years, I was aware of the importance of a mental approach to the game," he said. "Obviously you need to have a high level of confidence. You need to believe that you can win matches when you're playing against top guys and when you're playing at grand slams."

Djokovic did what Murray could not, winning a grand slam at the Australian Open in 2008, but he and the Scot were still bracketed together as challengers to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

But this year the 24-year-old Serbian has surged ahead in devastating fashion, establishing his supremacy by hammering Murray in the final of the Australian Open and then going on to clinch the title the British number one wants more than any other, Wimbledon.

Djokovic's second defeat of the year came against Murray in the final of the recent Cincinnati Masters, although he was clearly hampered by a shoulder injury and retired in the second set.

The Scot loves the hard courts of North America and he has taken inspiration from the success of Djokovic, who used to suffer from the same lapses in concentration that still blight Murray's game.

Djokovic added: "He has won in Cincinnati. He's definitely a player that everybody should look up to now. He has always come to the US Open with a Masters Series title, so I'm sure he's very eager to win his first grand slam.

"We are all fully aware of his potential and we are all fully aware that he has great talent. There are some things that he just needs to get together mentally. He has proven that he can win against anybody on any surface."

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