Andy Murray hopes to improve on an excellent year at next week's US Open.
Scottish star targets further improvement in New York
Andy Murray is optimistic that a good year can get even better at the US Open.
The young Scot has moved up to sixth in the world rankings on the back of his first Masters Series victory and is hoping for more success at his favourite Grand Slam.
"I think it's time for me to go a little bit further," the 21-year-old said.
"I have the potential to do that, but you try not to look so far ahead, go one match at a time, just see what happens because once you get into the second week (of the tournament) anything can happen."
Murray, who opens against Argentinian Sergio Roitman, won two early-season tournaments - in Qatar and Marseille, enjoyed his best clay-court season to date, then reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals, where he lost to Rafael Nadal, the eventual champion.
His summer saw even more improvement, including the Masters Series title in Cincinnati, where he defeated Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic for the second time in a week.
Setback
A first-round defeat at the Beijing Olympics was a setback, but he is back on his preferred surface at Flushing Meadows.
"It's been a good season," he said. "I think I'm stronger mentally and physically. My game hasn't changed a whole lot, but when you're physically in better shape it gives you extra confidence.
"You go on the court just worrying about the tennis instead of other things. It gives you a better peace of mind."
For him to truly take the next step in a grand slam, to make a final, or even win one, Murray will likely have to beat either Nadal or long-time number one Roger Federer.
Murray has proved capable of beating Djokovic and Federer but Nadal has always got the better of the British number one.
However, the Spaniard has so far failed to shine in New York and Murray insists he is ready to take his chance.
"It's hard, but I think if you want to win slams, in any era, you will have to have beaten great players to do it," he said.
"Nadal is obviously playing really well, but I think this surface and grand slam he has struggled at. He hasn't played his best here.
"Federer is obviously playing really well, but his performance has dropped a little bit, and beating Djokovic a couple of times the last month or so has given me confidence too.
"It's very hard to do, but it's definitely not impossible."
He added: "You have to go into, for me anyway, every tournament to win. I always feel if you set a goal to reach the third round, if you do make it to the third round, you almost are satisfied with what you achieved.
"Set the goal high and try your best to win the tournament."
