Murray to take pragmatic approach
August 31, 2010 16:00:05 UK
Andy Murray's long wait to get his US Open campaign underway is almost over, and he has revealed he will play whatever style he feels necessary to secure his first ever major.
Murray will have been in New York for 11 days by the time he steps on court to take on world number 71 Lukas Lacko, the first round being uniquely stretched over three days in the year's final Grand Slam.
Betting for the first round clash has Murray heavily fancied to win the match at 1.015 while Lacko can be backed at 13.00 to pull off a shock.
There has been widespread discussion over Murray's tactics on the big occasion, with many pundits feeling the world number four needs to be more aggressive and end points quicker to have consistent success in major tournaments.
I like winning. I don't like losing. So I'll play whichever way I need to to win.
Andy Murray
But Murray insists he will play whatever style he feels necessary to get the job done in New York, where he is looking to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry here in 1936.
"I just need to play the game style that wins me the matches here," Murray said.
"If I have to play ultra-defensive in any of my matches, I'll play that way. If I have to play very aggressive then I'll do that.
"It's just about winning. You have to adapt during matches and different situations and different opponents. I'll play the way that I think is going to win me the match.
"I just enjoy playing tennis. There's not one style in particular I prefer. I like playing against Roger and Rafa the most.
"Out of all the players, I think it's the most challenging, the most fun matches to play.
"But in terms of game styles, I like winning. I don't like losing. So I'll play whichever way I need to to win."
Murray will not be taking opening opponent Lacko lightly. The 22-year-old Slovakian is making his US Open debut this year after accruing impressive wins over Marcos Baghdatis and Lleyton Hewitt in 2010.
"I've known him since he was 13, 14," Murray added.
"He's a good player, he has had good wins this year. He's talented and has quite a big game.
"It's going to be difficult, as all matches in the Slams are. I need to make sure I'm switched on from the start."
Murray is currently 10001.00 to win the US Open outright, with Roger Federer available at 2.10 and Rafael Nadal 2.00.
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