Djokovic still the man to beat, says Andy

Olympic champion Andy Murray says he is not the favourite for the US Open title despite Novak Djokovic going into the tournament under an injury cloud.

Andy Murray ahead of the US Open. Picture: Bryan R. Smith

TENNIS: Olympic champion Andy Murray (right) says he is not the favourite for the US Open title despite world No.1 Novak Djokovic going into the tournament under an injury cloud.

Djokovic, who was knocked out in the first round in Rio by Juan Martin Del Potro, is still struggling with a wrist problem but Murray, who also won the last grand slam, Wimbledon, said the Serbian was still the man to beat.

"I don't think so,” the Brit said when asked if he was favourite in New York. "I've had a long summer as well. My body is not fresh and my body is not perfect either.

"I've played a lot of tennis and played a lot of matches.

"With Novak we will see if his wrist is fine. I am sure he wouldn't be risking it if it was bad.

"He is coming in fresh because he has not played loads the last few weeks. My advantage is that I have played a lot of matches and am coming in with the confidence of that, knowing that physically I am in good shape.

"I don't see this as any more of an opportunity than any of the other slams, to be honest.”

Murray is aiming to become only the sixth man in tennis history to make all four major finals in the same calendar year, emulating Jack Crawford, Donald Budge, Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Djokovic.

The US Open gets under way tonight. James Duckworth, up against Dutchman Robin Haase, and Jordan Thompson, who plays Belgian Steve Darcis, are the only two Australians in action on day 1.

Originally published as Djokovic still the man to beat, says Andy