• ATP World Tour Finals

Becker tells Murray to get nasty

ESPN staff
November 19, 2011
Andy Murray has come close to grand slam glory on three occasions © Getty Images
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Boris Becker has told Andy Murray that he must find the killer instinct if he is to realise his potential and become a grand slam champion.

Murray has been a beaten finalist in three grand slams, failing to win a set in any of them. His form has been good in recent weeks and he has a live chance of scooping the biggest title of his career at the ATP World Tour Finals, which begins in London on Sunday.

Becker knows what it takes to win grand slams, having tasted victory on six occasions. He is not doubting Murray's talent, but has urged him to be more aggressive in the key moments.

"For Murray to win a Grand Slam, it's not a question of technique or his actual game," Becker told the BBC. "In the past, I felt he was more focused on trying not to lose than going out to win. He was too negative.

"His attitude has to be much more positive. Once you're in a Grand Slam final, you're playing to win."

Roger Federer has beaten Murray on two occasions in major finals, with his other defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic, and Becker claims his opponents were the aggressors on court.

He said: "The players who beat him had a more positive and aggressive attitude once they were in the final. If he does that, I think he will win a Grand Slam in 2012.

"He's very, very close and that's the only missing ingredient."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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