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Murray emulates Djokovic's grand-slam preparations

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are close friends off the court © PA Photos

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Andy Murray has taken a leaf out of Novak Djokovic's book by overhauling his preparations for the US Open, which kicks off on August 29 at Flushing Meadows.

The Scot has shaken up his diet in much the way that Djokovic did last year, a change that the Serb claims helped him to go on a run of 52 wins from 53 matches this year. Djokovic went gluten-free, while Murray has decided to cut out some his preferred meals, instigating a colour-coding system to remind him of the benefits or disadvantages of certain foods.

Murray will get a chance to assess the effects of his new approach at the Rogers Cup in Montreal this week, which he is aiming to win for a third-successive year.

"It is all about finding ways of prolonging your career," Murray said in the Times. "You need to look ahead because what you do now is bound to affect the way you are in a few years' time. Even at our age, Novak, Rafa [Nadal] and I find it tough.

"Things start to hurt. I need to know that in everything I do I am being at my most effective, which is why I've taken this [my diet] very seriously, largely since Queen's.

"I'll be re-tested after the Open to see where I am then. But I'm sure it's been a great benefit, I'm already sleeping a lot better. After ten hours' sleep I still used to be tired in the mornings but now I'm sleeping eight and I feel totally fresh when I wake up.

"My recoveries from matches have been terrific as well. I'm not feeling bloated and my body is not as intolerant as it used to be. It's making all the difference."

Murray, who has been training in 100F heat in Miami, will kick off his Rogers Cup campaign against Kevin Anderson of South Africa.

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