• Rome Masters

Murray looking for mental focus

ESPN staff
May 11, 2011
Andy Murray is struggling to translate fine practice play to matches © PA Photos
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Andy Murray has admitted he must cut out the lapses in concentration that creep into his game if is to challenge the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at the top of the sport.

Murray has been in three grand slam finals, but never like converting those into victory and although he is among the elite of the sport he has come up short in the majors.

The Brit began his Rome Masters campaign with a laboured win over Xavier Malisse, as he was overwhelmed in the second set only to dig in and pounce when his rival tired.

Murray is happy with how things are progressing in training, but knows he needs to translate that on to the court and adding mental focus to his game will help.

"In practice I am hitting the ball better than I ever have done, I just need to do it in matches now," Murray said.

"When I was getting myself in position [against Malisse], concentrating and working hard, I was hitting the ball well against one of the best ball strikers. I felt like I was able to outhit him from the back on a heavy night.

"But I need to get better. The main thing is the concentration. When it was on I played well, when it wasn't it was not good. So it is something I need to do."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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