Murray sticking to his guns

Murray: Stated London intensions

It's not always just about winning tournaments all the time, sometimes it's nice to beat the big players in epic matches

Andy Murray
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Andy Murray insists he stands by his decision to see-off Roger Federer at the expense of possible Masters Cup glory last season.

Rewind to 12 months ago and Murray had secured his place in the semi-final stage of the now re-named ATP World Tour finals, with a round robin clash against Federer next up before a last four tie against Nikolay Davydenko.

With his place in the next round already secured, many expected the British number one to expend little energy in the match against the Swiss, but instead the Scot put all his effort into beating the 15-time grand slam champion in an epic three-setter.

However, the success saw him come out jaded and flat against Davydenko the following day and the 22-year-old succumbed to the diminutive Russian when many expected him to march into the final to play eventual winner Novak Djokovic.

Intensions

And Murray left little doubt about his intentions this time round as the world number four claimed he will not change his approach in London, even if it jeopardises his chances of winning the prestigious title on home soil.

"I'd do the same thing again," he declared about his approach to the eight-man end-of-season tournament.

"I thought it was a good decision (to beat Federer). A lot of people say, 'you focus too much on results and winning all the time', but obviously winning against Federer is one of the best wins of the year for me and one of the biggest competitions.

"Unfortunately it didn't go well for me the next day but winning against Federer six times and losing three times, I can keep that with me for my career.

"It's not always just about winning tournaments all the time, sometimes it's nice to beat the big players in epic matches and unfortunately sometimes that takes it out of you a little bit."

The scenario could repeat itself this year, with Murray set to play Federer later this week, but first up for the 22-year-old is Juan Martin del Potro in the opening singles match in Group A on Sunday afternoon.

The big-hitting Argentinian shocked the tennis world in September when he twice came from a set down to defeat Federer in the final of the US Open, and Murray was not surprised to see the 21-year-old break his grand slam duck.

Praise

"He's been in the top five in the world for about a year and a half now so it's not like he came out of nowhere," he added.

"He'd been having a very good year; he very nearly beat Federer in the semis at the French Open, made the quarters at the Australian and he's won quite a few tournaments."

Del Potro's record since that spectacular New York triumph has dipped significantly, with his fitness holding him back, but the world number five admits he has struggled with his new-found fame.

"It was very difficult because I had a lot going on but that's going to happen when you win a big tournament like the US Open," said del Potro, who has won just twice since his Flushing Meadows triumph.

"Now everything is normal again and I'm happy to be quiet.

"I feel the pressure. When I play, everyone in Argentina is watching my matches but it's beautiful, it's part of the game. All of us are superstars in our countries and I'll have to learn this situation."