Thursday 28 August 2014 10:25, UK
Andy Murray feels Roger Federer's fine return from injury in 2014 offers him hope he can get back to the top of the game again.
The British no 1 has endured a difficult time of it since winning Wimbledon last year, with his 2013 season eventually being cut short by a lower back problem that required surgery to correct.
It has been a lengthy process since the operation to get back to full fitness, particularly as failure to convert promising positions into wins has not only hampered his hopes of climbing back up the rankings but also denied him crucial playing time on court.
However, the Scot can take heart from Federer, the Swiss having overcome back issues of his own to win three ATP Tour titles this year, as well as coming mightily close to be crowning Wimbledon champion again before losing an epic final against Novak Djokovic.
"He's showed this year that he's come back extremely well from his issues," said Murray of Federer, an opponent who has beaten him in three grand slam finals.
"Everybody's different, every person handles situations differently. I don't imagine that I think the same way as Roger Federer or train or do many things the same, we're completely different people.
"He's one of the greatest players to ever play. He was ranked seven or eight in the world last year, which in the grand scheme of things is actually pretty good.
"Everyone was writing him off - I wasn't one of them, I thought he would come back and he's obviously done it this year. For me personally, I feel like I'm playing pretty good tennis and hopefully results will be not too far behind."
Murray arrived in New York in a positive frame of mind and declared himself in his best shape since winning Wimbledon last year following a training camp in Miami.
His back wasn't an issue in his opening-round win over Robin Haase, but instead cramp in the third set threatened to hinder his progress at Flushing Meadows.
Still, the eighth seed came through in four and will next face German Matthias Bachinger in the second round on Thursday, live on Sky Sports 3 HD from midnight.
