Andy Murray is probably in his best shape ever as he enters the French Open, starting in less than a week. This has been his best clay court season to date.
Recently he won the Rome Open. In the finals he thumped his main rival Novak Djokovic, 6-3 6-3. This was Murray’s first win in straight sets against him since the famous 2013 Wimbledon Final victory. He finally broke his four-match losing streak against the apparently impenetrable Serb thanks to his strong form.
The triumph in the Italian capital has given a massive boost to his confidence as he steps into the French Open, seeded second. After the win, Murray admitted that he never expected to have the kind of results he is having on clay right now. He also credited his coaches for implementing new ways of training which has helped him a lot.
What to Expect from Andy Murray at the French Open
It is not just in Rome; Murray also played excellently throughout the past few weeks on clay. In Monte Carlo he made it to the semifinals, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in three sets. He came into that match having pounded Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals, with the loss of just two games. In his battle against Nadal, he drew first blood and won the opening set but blew his lead and saw Nadal reach the final.
But the defending champion in Madrid made some amends. He fended off Nadal in the semifinals in straight sets, avenging the loss he suffered in Monte Carlo. This made it two years in a row that that Scot had beaten Nadal in his backyard. Next he faced Djokovic and pushed him to three sets, but failed to defend his title.
Earlier this month, Murray split with his coach Amelie Mauresmo, but as the season has rolled on he has seemed to improve his form on what can be called as his weakest surface.
For Murray, the victory at the Rome Masters, without dropping a single set, was the apex of a very formidable clay court season.
With the French Open looming, it can easily be claimed that it’s not just Nadal who will be standing in the way of Djokovic’s quest of a maiden French Open trophy. Murray has clearly proven that he is also one of the plausible contenders, standing on the opposite half of the draw. And not the just contender to beat Djokovic, but also win his third major in the French capital. With a little help from his scintillating form and draw to come out, it appears that Murray is capable of repeating his Rome feat in Paris.
Taking heart from his performance, one can say that he is in his best form ever and can be counted as a big contender to bring Coupe des Mosquetaires home.
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