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10/3/11 4:13 PM | Johan Lindahl
Andy Murray refuses to get carried away after winning his third 2011 title at the Thailand Open, with the Scot keeping his expectations for this week's ATP event in Tokyo down to a minimum.
Murray crushed American neophyte Donald Young with the loss of just two games in the Bangkok final, but he will have to deal with Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, this week in the Japanese capital.
"It's a big change of surface and Tokyo's not that close," said Murray, referring to jet lag. "I may have to be realistic in my expectations a bit. But this was a great week for me and it helps to begin the Asian swing like this."
Murray remains keen in his goal of trying to pass Roger Federer for third in the rankings by the end of 2011. The Swiss is not playing the autumn Asian swing, instead resting and clearing up some unspecified minor injuries.
"Roger always plays very well on the European indoor courts, so I'm sure I'm going to have to win a lot more matches if I want to finish as No. 3," said Murray. "That's the goal and I'll keep working hard to give myself a shot at doing that."
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Don't think he'll losing the final either. Well...
danica , 10/4/11 11:58 AM
I don't think Rafa will lose in the final if he gets there. Well...
luckystar , 10/4/11 1:12 PM
I don't think either is going to reach the final. Well...
LOL
bleck , 10/4/11 1:46 PM
Let's see, well....
luckystar , 10/4/11 2:07 PM
I was joking. Obviously if I had to put my money on it I would bet nadal and murray to reach the finals. As for the winner... We'll have to see their form during the tournament.
bleck , 10/4/11 2:21 PM
I'm curious as to why Murray is just pushing for No. 3? His goal should really be to have a strong finish to the year, and build his confidence and motivation for 2012. His ranking will go up when the time is right. Until then, I would rather focus on having a strong finish to the season and building up momentum for next year. Being No. 3 in the world is a great achievement, no doubt, but as talented as he is, he should be aiming higher.
As for Tokyo this week, he's going to get tested right away, and it'll be more challenging than last week in Bangkok. It won't surprise me if he loses before the final, but if he does get there, I don't believe he'll win, especially if he has to face Rafa.
djb247365 , 10/4/11 7:45 PM
djb,
Why are you assuming that Murray's only goal is just to get to #3? By playing and winning, he is essentially building momentum for 2012. It's also reasonable to say that he would like to be #3 now, because that is the next step. He has to overtake Fed before he can think about Rafa and Nole. It's just setting reasonable and solid goals. I admire him for being realistic and not putting too much pressure on himself. He is taking it one step at a time, which is a sign of maturity and good sense.
Nativenewyorker , 10/5/11 12:00 AM
^^^^^hear, hear.......
rafaisthebest , 10/5/11 2:48 PM
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realistic in expectations? I assume at most he means runner-up instead of champion, because there is no way he should lose before the final.
It's not like he is tired after a cakewalk in Bangkok.
RickyDimon , 10/3/11 6:19 PM