• What the Deuce

Murray proves mental fitness in Toronto

ESPN staff
August 17, 2010
Andy Murray's win in Toronto was his first title since November 2009 © Getty Images
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While Andy Murray's triumph in Toronto was far from the finished article, it was a huge step in the right direction for the British No. 1.

With just a fortnight to go before the final Grand Slam of the year, things are looking decidedly rosier for Murray, who notched up victories against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and ended a title drought spanning back to November last year in Canada last week.

While the prize money, shiny trophy and ranking points that come with a Masters 1000 title are a huge bonus, Murray, who became the first player to defend his Rogers Cup title since Andre Agassi in 1995, it will be the pyschological boost that could give him the lift he needs.

Many will now be jumping aboard the Murray bandwagon - that same vehicle that gives England football fans endless optimism that their team can win the World Cup, and comes around once a year in time for hopes of a British champion at Wimbledon, Murray will know only too well that the hard work has only just begun.

Having won the title in Montreal last year, Murray looked to be flying high as he went on to reach the semi-finals in Cincinnati before slumping to defeat in the fourth round against Marin Cilic at Flushing Meadows. Just when everything appears to be cruising along just nicely, that's when the wheels start to fall off.

While Murray has clearly not been in the form of his life this season (by this stage last season he already had five titles in his cabinet), one thing he seems to be getting the hang of is peaking at the right time.

While winning tournaments and titles is clearly a nice feeling, Murray has made no secret of his desire to win a Grand Slam, and hitting a run of form at the right time is crucial to that - getting the balance between having sufficient match practice without suffering burnout from playing too much.

Heading into the Australian Open in January, Murray had dropped to world No. 5 and had suffered a surprising defeat to Tommy Robredo at the Hopman Cup. And yet he stormed into the final before coming up short against Federer.

Likewise in the run-up to Wimbledon, Murray failed to defend his Queen's title after falling in the third round to world No. 90 Mardy Fish, and yet just two weeks later he was cruising through to the semis without dropping a set.

At times this season he has looked lost - he has been accused of lacking aggression, of being unable to change tactics when things were going wrong, and struggling with his concentration. Even if he is one of the fittest players on the tour - Murray has not been mentally fit.

But in his victory over Federer in the final in Toronto, it was not only a trophy in his hands; it was psychological victory. Although his win suggested the Scot is moving closer to his best tennis, it was just as much a battle of wills, in which Murray came out on top.

It was not just a case of having to get the better of the former world No. 1 and 16-time Grand Slam champion - it was a battle against the elements. After four rain delays, Murray emerged victorious, but it could have been a very different story.

Murray may be showing signs of a mental toughness to match his physical strength © Getty Images
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When the heavens opened for a fourth and final time, Murray was well on his way to an impressive victory, a set and a break to the good, and the unintended interval clearly favoured his opponent. And it was Federer who came out all guns blazing after the delay, finding his focus and got his break back.

But Murray - the man many claim will never win a Grand Slam - showed impressive mental toughness to fight back and battle out a 7-5 7-5 victory. It was not a classic match, and the poor weather ensured the already edgy match would not be an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it served as a huge mental boost for Murray.

In winning his 15th career title, Murray achieved a career first - it was the first time he had ever beaten both Nadal and Federer in the same tournament. And after getting that elusive first title of the season under his belt he can focus on making his assault at Flushing Meadows.

There is plenty more work for Murray before he can even start thinking about Grand Slam glory - namely seven potentially dangerous opponents in New York. But getting over the psychological hurdle of a first title, and knowing he can beat the world's top two players, is certainly a step in the right direction.

Not bad for a week's work.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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