Murray will win a grand slam title, says Sampras

Published on Tuesday 2 December 2008 23:35

PETE Sampras believes Andy Murray has what it takes to win a grand slam singles title and reckons he is "only one notch below" world top two Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Murray, 21, enjoyed a prolific season, reaching No 4 in the world and beating Nadal en route to the US Open final in September, only to lose out to Federer. That followed a run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, which included a thrilling five-set defeat of Richard Gasquet, and a Murray major win is widely considered to be only a matter of time.

"He has moved himself right up to one notch below Roger and Nadal," said Sampras, who is in London for the first time since 2002 for the Tour of Champions' BlackRock Masters. "He's right on the edge of breaking through and winning a major. He's got the game.

"The US Open was a great breakthrough for him and I'm impressed. He's competitive, he's a great mover and he's got a ton of talent. He's definitely got the game to win a major."

Sampras, who won a record 14 grand slam titles – seven at Wimbledon – before retiring six years ago, reckons the key to Murray winning a maiden grand slam is psychological rather than any physical aspect of his game.

Asked what he needs to improve to reach the same level as Federer and Nadal, Sampras said: "He needs a bit more self-belief and confidence that he can win a major.

"Watching the US Open, I could sense that he didn't really believe he could win that match. But he's right there ready to break through. He'll do it, I really believe that. He's the real deal."

Andy's brother, Jamie, was in action at the BlackRock Masters at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday.

Playing with Chris Wilkinson, the British pair defeated American Wayne Black and Anders Jrryd, of Sweden, 4-6, 6-4, 10-5, with the final set – the 'Champions tiebreak' – being the first to ten points.