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Australian tennis great Rod Laver believes the time has come for Scot Andy Murray to break his, and Britain’s, grand slam tennis drought.
Speaking from California where he now resides, Australia’s greatest ever tennis hero plumped for the 23-year-old Murray to claim the Australian Open crown over 2008 champion Novak Djokovic.
Murray has lost his two previous grand slam finals, both against Roger Federer, and has the added pressure of potentially being the first British major winner in 75 years.
But Laver, whose name adorns the arena the two will do battle in on Sunday, says Murray can overcome the Serbian in a close battle.
“Djokovic has an edge because he has won it before but I think Murray might just get him,” Laver said.
“I think Murray has enough experience to handle the nerves but it will be very close, I’m expecting a real even contest.
“I’d like to see him win because the English fans have been asking for someone to break through for so long.”
Laver, the winner of 11 major titles and two calendar year grand slams says Murray needs to play intelligent tennis, mixing up his shots throughout the contest.
“If it gets into a hitting match, Djokovic will win but if Murray can mix it up often he has the ability to pull it off,” Laver added.
“Djokovic is tenacious and he doesn’t give up. He has a good serve, and his groundstrokes are probably better than Murray’s. But Murray is more versatile.
“If he keeps Djokovic guessing he can win.”
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