Murray reflects on 'best year'

Murray: Low expectatioons

I've got a better record against all the top players this year so it's been my best year on tour without question and hopefully next year will be better.

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Andy Murray believes 2009 has been his best yet despite a disappointing performance in the four Grand Slam tournaments.

The British number one is preparing to lower the colours of Roger Federer and Rafeal Nadal at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London next week, in what the players are referring to as the 'fifth major'.

Murray still has a point to prove despite a season that has seen him win a handful of tournaments, but get no further than the semi-finals at Wimbledon in the Slams.

However, while the Scot acknowledges a victory in the 'big four' remains top of the agenda, he is happy to reflect on his most consistent season yet, and if he continues his progress a major title must surely follow.

Huge tournament

"This tournament is just behind the grand slams, because you have to win five matches or four matches against the top players in the world," he said.

"You might even have to beat the number one or number two in the world twice to win the event so it's not quite the same as a grand slam but it's a huge, huge tournament.

"Everyone views it a little bit differently but I still believe that I have a few chances, maybe one or two more chances, to win a grand slam.

"For me, the year's been a successful one. For some people Grand Slams are the be-all and end-all. I want to win one, I'm trying my best to win one and I'll work as hard as I can.

"I feel like I'm getting closer than I was a couple of years ago. I feel I'm a better player than last year. I had a few problems at the Grand Slams this year. The ones I didn't do so well in, hopefully next year I'll feel great going into all of them.

"My consistency this year has been superb. Physically I've felt like I've been a lot better this year.

Relaxed approach

"I've not had any real let-downs in any tournaments except in Rome - I've lost one first round the whole year, which is better than previous years.

"I've got a better record against all the top players this year so it's been my best year on tour without question and hopefully next year will be better."

However, Murray is not expecting to win at the O2 Arena but is hoping a relaxed approach will help him in his bid for the title.

"I'm not putting too much pressure on myself this week," he continued. "I'm not expecting to go out there and play great. I might go out and do well because of that.

"Obviously I haven't played too much in the last two or three months so I don't know exactly what to expect. Mentally I feel fresh and that's going to be important."