Andy Murray should embrace regular Novak Djokovic meetings, says Barry Cowan
Tuesday 13 October 2015 12:31, UK
Andy Murray should relish the chance to face Novak Djokovic again after they were put on a Shanghai Masters collision course, says Barry Cowan.
The British No 1 returns to action at the China event, which is live on Sky Sports 3 HD all week from 6.30am, and has been selected in the same half of the draw as his perennial rival Djokovic, meaning they could meet in the semi-finals.
Murray ended an eight-match losing streak to Djokovic with a Montreal Masters success, and although that propelled him into an underwhelming US Open campaign, Cowan thinks he should embrace the chance to test himself against the world's best player.
Whether you lose six times or 16 times, it doesn't make any difference. You've just got to find a way to play him.
"They seem to be magnets for each other," the Sky Sports expert said.
"I think it's great for Andy that they could meet again.
"Andy played so well in Montreal and it was a pity that he couldn't reproduce that form at the US Open before losing to Kevin Anderson.
"Andy needs to find a way to be able to beat Djokovic regularly. He would have taken great heart from beating him in Montreal - particularly due to the way that he played."
Prior to the Canadian victory, Murray had endured a miserable run against Djokovic that dated back to his 2013 Wimbledon final win.
Cowan thinks that Murray must not fear further defeats to Djokovic as he bids to find a style that frequently works against the world No 1 ahead of a possible Shanghai showdown.
"Whether you lose six times or 16 times, it doesn't make any difference," he said.
"You've just got to find a way to play him."
But before Murray worries about meeting Djokovic in the final four, he has a route to the final that begins with Steve Johnson or Andreas Seppi, but steps up a notch against either John Isner or upcoming Davis Cup foe David Goffin in the following round.
"Goffin would be hoping to play Murray, it's more important for him to have a sight before the Davis Cup," Cowan said.
"Murray doesn't tend to have problems with Isner because he is unbelievable at getting that serve back into play. He has a great record against big servers."
Tomas Berdych lies in wait in the quarter-finals and the powerful Czech has an impressive record against the Dunblane man.
They have a 6-6 head-to-head record but, when measuring their current skill levels, Cowan doesn't envisage Murray having a problem with Berdych.
"After a bright start to the year from Berdych, I feel he's crept back into last year's form," he said.
"It's been feisty in the past, partly due to a coaching situation which has now been resolved.
"But look at the form between Andy and Berdych. Andy is only going in one direction and Berdych has fallen back into his 2014 tennis which is very good but at times it's predictable.
"At the big tournaments, he's lacking against the very best so Andy will be fairly happy with that draw."
Watch the Shanghai Masters live on Sky Sports 3 HD all week from 6.30am.
