2012 U.S. Open Player Previews: Andy Murray

Let’s start by projecting to the finish: Andy Murray can win the US Open and break a British men’s Grand Slam title drought that’s lasted as long as Atlas has carried the world on his shoulders at Rockefeller Center. Stop snickering. Instead of re-hashing what Murray hasn’t done consider what he has done: The third-seeded Scot has reached the semifinals or better in six of his last seven Grand Slams, and he beat the world’s top two in succession to win the Olympic gold medal. Murray’s improvisational skills work well in New York’s chaotic conditions: He is often at his best in unsettled situations, scrambling down shots, creating sharp angles off running replies and using his soft hands around the front court to bamboozle opponents. He is one of the fittest, fastest men in tennis and if he can temper his tendency to bob and weave and stand and strike on pivotal points he can be a factor in the final weekend.

Why He’ll Win:

Entering the Open weeks after winning the Olympic gold medal should be empowering. He played assertive tennis in London and his physicality is an asset in New York’s extreme conditions.

Why He Won’t:

He has come up flat in most of his major final appearances. While his forehand and second serve have improved, those two shots have let him down in prior majors.

Bottom Line:

With nemesis Rafael Nadal out, Murray is capable of breaking through and mastering his first major in New York, but he must play with authority in order to do so.

More U.S. Open Player Previews:

**Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray

David Ferrer

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Juan Martin del Potro**

**Victoria Azarenka

Agnieszka Radwanska

Maria Sharapova

Serena Williams

Petra Kvitova

Samantha Stosur**