Andre Agassi backs Andy Murray to win first Australian Open title

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Tom Allnutt21 January 2017

Andre Agassi believes the way is open for Andy Murray to win his first Australian Open and collect many more grand slam titles.

But the eight-time major champion insists it is too soon to write off Novak Djokovic and is backing the Serb to come again at the top of the men's game.

Murray faces world number 50 Mischa Zverev in Melbourne on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals, where he could meet the resurgent Roger Federer.

Djokovic's shock second round defeat means Murray is now heavy favourite to become Australian Open champion and almost certain to stay world number one until Wimbledon.

Humbled: Novak Djokovic
Getty Images

With Federer and Rafael Nadal both fighting age and injury, Djokovic's demise would appear to leave Murray primed to capitalise as he bids to add to his tally of three major triumphs.

"This is a heck of an opportunity for Andy," Agassi said. "He's certainly come into his best years and if he lines everything up he has the runway free to do some remarkable things.

"But you can't write off Novak this soon. There's been a turn of events that has happened seemingly overnight. Things can change quickly but if they change quickly, they can change again.

"I don't think Andy is underestimating that Novak can show up at any tournament and then be that dominant person Andy was in the second half of last year.

"I do though think Andy has a heck of an opportunity in front him and now has the chance to put up some big numbers."

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