Retired British tennis star Tim Henman has backed Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to be back at his best at the upcoming US Open, saying that Murray will have no problem raising himself for a defence while still in the afterglow of his Wimbledon triumph.
According to Metro.co.uk, Murray lost for the first time since May when beaten in the second round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal by Ernests Gulbis last week, which was his first competitive event since his historic victory at Wimbledon last month.
However, the former British No.1 turned TV commentator insisted that the Scot will be primed for another assault on Flushing Meadows despite his Montreal disappointment, adding that he even expected Murray to land his third Grand Slam at the US Open.
According to Henman, although Murray may have been a 'bit undercooked' in Canada, he will be more confident than last year knowing that he can get the job done as he has already won two majors.
But Henman said that he expected the World No.2 to face stiff competition from his arch-rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, all of who suffered notable defeats in the Wimbledon last month.
According to reports, Nadal suffered a shock first-round exit to Steve Darcis at Wimbledon, sparking fears a nagging knee problem could wreck the rest of his season, although he bounced back to bag the Rogers Cup last week- his 48th win in 51 matches and tenth final in 11 tournaments in 2013.
According to Henman, despite his struggles in Wimbledon, the Spaniard had an incredible season, especially with his French Open win, adding that his win in Canada showed that hard court should suit him better than grass.
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Although Murray beat Djokovic last year at the US Open, however, Henman said that the Serb would gun for a repeat of his US Open win in 2011 given that he is still world number one and beat Murray in the Australian Open.
Henman further said that five-time US Open champion Federer could spring a major surprise in Queens despite his struggles this summer, adding that if he is fit, he still can be a real threat at the US Open.
