John McEnroe talks about the recent boom in British tennis – Tennis News
John McEnroe, the former world number one, who plays veteran events these days, recently dismissed Jeremy Bates in the Statoil Masters at the Royal Albert Hall.
Towards the end of the contest, the American talked about the booming performances of all British superstars. He confessed that the marvellous achievements of the number one Briton, Andy Murray, will definitely lay a landmark for the youngster to follow.
On the other hand, the 18-year-old Robson has also impressed McEnroe to an extent that he considers her a future Top-10 player.
McEnroe said, “If she commits to getting herself in tip-top shape then she is easily a top-10 player. She could be like someone like Tomas Berdych in the men’s game, big and powerful.”
Adding about the attitude of Murray, the American said, “It would be helpful to see Andy be sort of, ‘I want to be here and I’m loving this.’ ‘I say it as an ex-player and someone who wished that I had done that a little bit more. ‘One of the things that
worried me is that he used to get so negative that not only would it turn himself off, but it turned off people watching him.”
Murray won a Gold Medal at London Olympics and teamed up with the teenager Robson to clinch a Silver Medal in the mixed doubles category. Both these players along with some mind-startling performances of the 20-year-old Heather Watson have carried the ship
British tennis ahead.
McEnroe also accessed the situation of Top-4 male players and talked about their chances of winning the Australian Open trophy. He does not have any doubt about the ability of the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer, but the age factor might stop him from claiming
his fifth title at the Rod Laver Arena. The reigning world number one, Novak Djokovic, can be a strong contender for the title but his topsy turvy performances in 2012 does lower his chances.
The American further pointed out that the 11-time Grand Slam Champion, Rafael Nadal, is probably not going to be on the top of his form after coming from a major injury layoff. So, it all falls down to the current US Open Champion, Murray, to add another
Major title to his tally.
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