Tennis legend Andre Agassi backs Andy Murray to win a Grand Slam title this year

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi admits Andy Murray is a "tortured perfectionist" and must find a way to keep his cool on the court.

Murray was beaten by world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open last month, surrendering the title in four sets and losing the last set 6-0.

It was as much Murray's temperament as his technique that let him down in Melbourne, with Djokovic claiming 12 of the last 13 games, and cruising to victory against an increasingly frustrated opponent.

I don't think it's true he doesn't have a fighting spirit - that guy is his own highest critic, he holds himself to a standard you wouldn't dare hold him to.

The 27-year-old subsequently exited the Rotterdam Open after suffering a surprise defeat to Frenchman Gilles Simon before crashing out to Croatian teenager Borna Coric at the Dubai Tennis Championships for the loss of four games on Thursday.

"He's a tortured perfectionist," said Agassi. "It would help Andy if he came to terms with what could keep him at his highest level mentally.

"I don't think it's true he doesn't have a fighting spirit - that guy is his own highest critic, he holds himself to a standard you wouldn't dare hold him to.

"When I look at him I don't see someone who isn't a fighter but I do see someone who has to put his circumstances in context and figure out how to constantly get back to the job in hand.

"That's tougher for some players than others."

Agassi is one of only four players in the Open era to have won all four major titles and while Murray was growing up, he idolised the American's swashbuckling strokes from the baseline.

Comparisons

The pair have drawn comparisons in their styles of play but Agassi says he empathises with Murray's state of mind too.

"I see myself in Andy, I'm not sure for the same reasons, but I can identify with how he appears a lot of the time," Agassi said.

I would put Djokovic as the clear dominant player this year but no doubt Andy can beat him, even when he's at his best, Andy is that good.

"It's a living hell being a perfectionist but does it make you better? It can be a strength because everything is going to get done with the highest degree of standard.

"But everyone's strength is their weakness too because it can also be demoralising, you don't accept less and you can be at your worst.

"It's the artist taking the knife to the canvas - I think it makes Andy shine but I also think it makes him want to hide."

Just as Murray has had to contend with the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic, Agassi may have won more titles had it not been for his rivalry with seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras.

"There are times in my career I felt like Pete made me better, there were other times I felt like he cost me my livelihood," Agassi said.

"There were times I was demoralised by it and there were times I was inspired by it - I think we've seen that too with Andy.

"Every Grand Slam final he's played has been against Djokovic or Federer - I don't envy it but I sure respect it and appreciate it."

Slam success

Murray has two major titles to his name, having won the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013. He has lost six finals, three apiece to Federer and Djokovic.

"I do see him winning a Slam this year," Agassi added.

"I think Djokovic is a clear level above the field at the moment but a lot can happen, you have to lace your boots up seven times to win a slam.

"I would put Djokovic as the clear dominant player this year but no doubt Andy can beat him, even when he's at his best, Andy is that good."