Scot must focus on the moment as he heads to Shanghai
Monday 10 October 2016 15:30, UK
The present is all that matters for Andy Murray and if he can continue his focus then only good things will happen for him, says Peter Fleming.
Murray outgunned Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in the final of the China Open on Sunday to claim his 40th career title and continue his pursuit of the world No 1 spot.
The reigning Wimbledon and Olympic champion became the 16th player to win 40 ATP titles and only has points to bank to further reduce the 3,005-point gap to Novak Djokovic in the race to the top of the rankings.
He still has plenty of points to play for in Shanghai, Paris and the World Tour finals in London over the next six weeks and Fleming feels that the 29-year-old needs to keep his mind on the job in hand.
"He's a better tennis player now than he's ever been and so the hope is that he stays physically strong and mentally motivated which I think is probably a very good chance," said the Sky Sports tennis analyst.
"Who knows what the future could bring - we could see a period of Murray dominance which is asking a lot with the sort of tennis Djokovic has played over the last two, three years.
"But I certainly think he's about to have a go at having a great rivalry again.
"The present is all that matters for Andy and so if he can just focus on the ball coming to him 'where am I going to hit this next shot' and just keeping doing it then good things will happen. There is so much in his arsenal."
Murray's tactics were revealed during the final as a TV camera picked up what was written on his notes next to his bag as he sat down. They included basic tennis technology, including attacking the second serve, don't let him dictate with his forehand, stay calm and breath.
"He was reading those notes on most changeovers so I think it's a good thing," said Fleming. "You have just a few snippets to centre your mind again, just to keep it on the job in hand and don't let distractions get in the way.
"It's certainly part of the formula which has made him a real challenger for the best player in the world."
Murray will be seeking his third Shanghai masters title next week where he has a first-round bye. His first match will be against either American Steve Johnson or Slovakian Martin Klizan.
