Andy Murray expects the so-called Big 3 to be in fine shape by the time the Australian Open begins. Roger Federer is dealing with a back injury, Rafael Nadal has been nursing a sore shoulder, and at the end of last season, Novak Djokovic was also complaining of a sore shoulder.
"Before the U.S. Open, Rafa was struggling, Roger's got a bad shoulder, Novak's not playing well. Every time it's the same guys in the semifinals and finals of a Slam," Murray told reporters after winning the title in Brisbane. "Roger will be absolutely fine, just like Novak was at the U.S. Open. A lot of times you can take precautions, two weeks before a Slam, that's normal. Rafa [who lost to Gael Monfils in the Doha semis] normally doesn't play his best tennis the first week of the year. They'll all be playing their best tennis in Australia because that's where they plan on playing their best tennis. I'm not different from that, either."
The fourth-ranked Murray, who is now being coached by Ivan Lendl, added: "I'm a year wiser. I have a year more experience. I think I've improved a few things in my game. I could play great tennis again and lose in the second or third round. That's how tennis works sometimes. Equally I could win the tournament if I play my best. If someone plays a great match to beat me, then that happens. If I play well like I did this week, I give myself a chance."