He's played nine sets already
Sunday 6 September 2015 14:22, UK
Andy Murray's two gruelling US Open matches so far do not bode well for his chances of lifting the final prize, says Greg Rusedski.
The British No 1 raced back from a two-set deficit to outmuscle Adrian Mannarino 5-7 4-6 6-1 6-3 6-1 in the second round, just two days after having to be at his best while ousting Nick Kyrgios in a four-set opener.
Boris Becker, the former US Open winner who coaches world No 1 Novak Djokovic, believes Murray has an advantage after nine sets within the first week but Rusedski disagrees.
It's possibly could become a problem because you don't want to expand too much energy.
"It's possible it could become a problem, because you don't want to expend too much energy," Rusedski told Sky Sports.
"You can lose a Grand Slam in the first week.
"He's got a tough section because, if you look at it, it could be Stan Wawrinka, then Roger Federer, then Novak Djokovic in the final so he'll want to be efficient."
Rusedski, the former British No 1 and Sky Sports expert, believes that solving Murray's age-old problems on his second serve would aid his long-term progress.
The Scot endured difficulties against Mannarino and Rusedski fears that chink in his armour will encourage future opponents who will try to take advantage.
He said: "It's textbook. Roger Federer was one of the first players to do that, to really pound the second serve of Murray.
"All of a sudden, he gets into defensive capabilities. When you give Murray rhythm, he gets better, this way you give him no rhythm.
"He's got to add a little more variety to it. Get out on the practice courts, hit a few more second serves.
"Be more brave on it. It doesn't necessarily need more speed, it needs more accuracy to put an opponent off balance."
In the third round, Murray will play the world No 30 Thomaz Bellucci who has already eliminated a Brit in James Ward.
The quick-fire victory that Murray will want will not be easy to obtain, Rusedski warns, because his upcoming opponent is no slouch.
"He's got a rough section," Rusedski said. "Bellucci played very well against Ward, winning in straight sets, and has only played six sets while Murray has played nine.
"Bellucci is really dangerous, he leads their head-to-head 1-0. That was in 2011 in Madrid when they played at altitude and the ball was flying everywhere.
"He's a big, strong striker of the ball but doesn't move as well. It should be one that Murray gets through, but not easily.
"Murray will hope for an evening match in Saturday so the conditions aren't as bad - I see him winning that in four sets."
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