Monday 11 May 2015 07:03, UK
Andy Murray feels he can make a serious challenge at the French Open after claiming his first Masters series title on clay with a stunning display to beat home favourite Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Masters on Sunday.
The stunning 6-3 6-2 victory was Murray's first ever on clay over Nadal in seven attempts and stretched the Scot's perfect start on the surface this season to 9-0 after wining his first ever clay court tournament earlier this week in Munich.
The Briton's performances in the Spanish capital suggest he may be a real contender at Roland Garros starting at the end of the month but Murray is staying grounded following a successful fortnight.
"I thought I played a very good match," Murray told Sky Sports 3. "I made very few errors and I changed the height of the ball extremely well which I think was part of the reason why he was mistiming a few shots, especially towards the end of the match.
"I used the second serve into the forehand a lot which I haven't really done on the clay before and that worked well - that was very important.
"I dealt with all of the nervy moments I had in the match I felt pretty well. When I had that break point at the beginning of the second set to go a double break up and I hit the drive volley into the tape, I responded well the next few points and managed to get the break there.
"From my side, it was a very good performance and I'm sure from Rafa's side he probably felt he could have played better, but I couldn't have done much more."
Good shape
The 27-year-old now looks in good shape to make a serious attempt to challenge for the French Open title at Roland Garros in Paris.
He continued: "I pushed Rafa a few times on clay in Monte Carlo and in Rome last year and you know obviously this gives me confidence.
"By no means I feel like I would go into the French as one of the favourites but if I play like that and the way I have done for the last couple of weeks, I would give myself an opportunity and that's all really I can ask for with the players around these days."
By no means I feel like I would go into the French as one of the favourites but if I play like that and the way I have done for the last couple of weeks I would give myself an opportunity and that's all really I can ask for with the players around these days.
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