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Murray 'coping well with grand slam nerves'

26/08/2008

Andy Murray has put his straightforward start to the US Open down to a vast improvement in his preparation ahead of big tournaments.

The Scot, who disappointed many fans with the manner of his exit at the Olympic Games earlier this month, eased through his first round match against Sergio Roitman at Flushing Meadows in straight sets.

And afterwards he admitted his on-court practice sessions and his improved fitness and gym work have made a difference to his approach when he comes into the more physically demanding grand slam events.

"I work really hard off the court to try to get the rewards in these tournaments," he said.

"In the past, I felt nervous coming into the bigger tournaments but now that I've started to work really hard off the court you go into the matches with no excuses, no worries.

"You just go on the court and play. That's one of the few things that I'm good at. It's worked out much better for me this year."

Murray also said he is keen to put his Olympic experience behind him and move on.

"I'm feeling really confident just now, regardless of what happened in Beijing," he continued.

"I'm hitting the ball well, I feel mentally strong and physically I'm not tired so I want to do well here. This was a good start."