Murray, Williams and Robson... Andrew Castle looks at the US Open talking points.
With the US Open now in full swing, former British tennis star Andrew Castle gave Sky Sports News his thoughts on some of the stories emanating from Flushing Meadows. Read below for his take on why Andy Murray and New York are a perfect match, Laura Robson's chances against Kim Clijsters, and more...
Why Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are still the men to beat at the US Open...
"Andy Murray proved that he can win in the big arena against the best players when he claimed Olympic gold; he beat Djokovic in the semi-finals and destroyed Federer in the gold medal match. That can't be a bad thing but the Slams are bigger than the Olympics and he hasn't yet won seven five-set matches over two weeks. He can do it but you have to have Federer and Djokovic above him; you don't expect him to win Slams when those two are in the draw."
What Murray learnt from his Olympic triumph...
"He now has the understanding that he can hit the ball harder earlier in the rally, doesn't need to absorb pressure and can actually step up and take the match away from anybody. That is the game that all the experts have been saying will win him a Slam, while he also has this physicality and presence and I don't see any mental issues, either. He has got it all and once he has won one Slam he might win four of five."
Why Murray and New York are a match made in heaven...
"Every one of the Slams reflects the city in which it is played, none more so than New York. It is loud, brash, all about entertainment and throwing your heart and soul into it. Therefore, the crowd like Murray, his sullen temperament and the fact he shows what he is: a fighter."
Why Serena Williams is the favourite for the women's crown...
"Serena is the number one player in the world, despite what the rankings say [Victoria Azarenka is the current world number one]. She lost just 16 games in winning Olympic gold at Wimbledon and she doesn't lose her service game when she is playing well. She is the force in the women's game but Maria Sharapova played well (against Melinda Czink on Monday), she loves hard courts and America is her home spiritually, so she could make it interesting - but it is hard to look past Serena."
Whether Laura Robson can upset Kim Clijsters in round two...
"Laura is still growing, learning movement and developing herself physically, but when the ball is exactly where she wants it to be nobody strikes it better. It is doubtful that she can beat Clijsters but it would not be a major surprise if she picked up a set - but if she was able to go and win it would be the biggest victory of her career."
