Melzer turns up the heat on Murray

AUSTRIAN tennis No.1 Jurgen Melzer insists Britain's over-reliance on Andy Murray could damage their chances during this weekend's Davis Cup tie.

Murray will be making his first appearance since reaching the US Open final when he leads Great Britain's challenge in the World Group relegation play-off.

The 21-year-old dispatched Melzer in a titanic third-round clash at Flushing Meadows and his rival questions what toll his recent success will have taken.

"Andy isn't in an easy position because the whole country expects him to win the Davis Cup by himself," he said. "After playing such a great Grand Slam, I imagine it would be tough to get your head clear and focus on the next one. It's a big one."

Murray, who is due to meet Melzer on Sunday, shrugged off any suggestion that expectation will be higher.

"I don't think there's a lot of pressure on me. Jurgen doesn't have a particularly good Davis Cup record," he said.

The tie, which will take place on Court One at Wimbledon, will decide who is relegated to the Europe/Africa Zone for next year.