Murray confident ahead of Australian Open

Tennis : Andy Murray has banished the doubts which once threatened to stall his rapid rise up the world rankings and is undaunted…

Tennis: Andy Murray has banished the doubts which once threatened to stall his rapid rise up the world rankings and is undaunted by the prospect of sealing his own place among his sport's biggest names.

Murray heads into the Australian Open this week brimming with confidence after continuing his highly successful start to the new season with victory over Marat Safin in the Kooyong Classic.

And, following wins over the likes of Roger Federer and Andy Roddick last season, Murray now believes he has earned the right to belong alongside the very best.

Murray said: "Obviously I had a good year last year and with the wins I have had over the top 10 players and winning against Federer it makes guys take a little bit more notice.

READ MORE

"Whereas last year I would maybe feel a little bit more nervous going on court against guys like Federer, Roddick and Safin, now I have played against them a lot of times I am not that intimidated.

"It has taken a little bit of time but I am starting to get used to playing against these guys, and now when I go on court I feel like I have got a good chance of winning."

Such is the impression Murray has made during his march to his current world ranking of 15, he is being labelled a good outside bet to claim his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

Murray is due to begin his campaign against the Spaniard Alberto Martin, while his Scottish compatriot Alan Mackin will join him in the first round after negotiating three rounds of qualifying.

The 19-year-old Murray believes he is now reaping the benefits of a more settled personal and professional life having endured a period of relative struggle this time last year.