Morning:
8°c
Andy Murray was presented with an impressive trophy at the US Open last night in what he hopes will be the precursor to a first Grand Slam triumph on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Murray accepted the US Open Series award after edging out Roger Federer as the most successful player in the North American tournaments that precede the final Slam of the year.
Winning in Toronto — where he beat Federer in the final — was the clincher and Murray was suitably happy and relaxed as he posed with the latest addition to his trophy cabinet, alongside Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, the top seed in the women's event.
New York is experiencing a heatwave — temperatures off court will hit 95F today — with Murray's potential second round match on Friday facing the threat of gale force winds if Hurricane Earl stays on its present course.
Murray does not begin his campaign until tomorrow, when he faces Slovakia's world No71 Lukas Lacko, and the delayed start has allowed him to assess the form and fitness of his rivals.
Having won the boy's title here in 2004, Murray has an affinity with New York that means he immediately acclimatises himself to the peculiarities of life on Manhattan island. The sheer volume of noise and the bumping, barging pedestrians can be distracting if you're not prepared for it — although he does have the use of a chauffeur-driven car to ferry him to and from the US Open site.
“It is about conserving your energy,” Murray said. “It's so hectic here and I need to make sure I'm ready for the start of the tournament.
"The heat in New York is perfect to see who has put in the work.”
Away from the practise courts, Murray has been for a facial (he fell asleep) and booked in at some of his favourite eating venues, including the inevitable sushi which is his staple food during tournaments.
Meanwhile, Federer opened his bid for a 17th Slam title with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win against Argentina's Brian Dabul. The world No2, who is now being coached by the Lawn Tennis Association's outgoing head of men's tennis Paul Annacone, even managed to thrill the fans with another of his amazing through-the-legs shots in the third set.
Federer said: “I thought I could do it again and it came off. I feel at home here in New York and I'd like to get to the final again, although the path is going to be rough. So far it's very good with Paul.”
American Andy Roddick celebrated his 28th birthday with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 first-round victory over France's Stephane Robert in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the scene of his sole Grand Slam triumph.
But 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt suffered his earliest exit in New York, losing 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 to France's Paul -Henri Mathieu.
Fifth seed Robin Soderling, the highest-ranked player Federer could face before the semi-finals, suffered a huge scare before defetaing Austrian qualifier and world No214, Andreas Haider-Maurer, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 5-7, 6-4.
Shape of things to come?
