Andy Murray does not need John McEnroe to tell him that scheming his aggravation on court is the one area he must try to get better as he begins his latest bid to win Wimbledon. While the world number four's game has rarely seem in better health, with his run to the semi-finals of the French Open follow by a second title at Queen's Club, his demeanour on court leftovers typically unenthusiastic.
Murray has been criticized for direct his anger at his support team in the stands, and McEnroe, the game's most infamous on-court ranger, said this week that he believes the 24-year-old is wasting precious energy.
Murray said:That's pretty rich coming from him! But it's something that absolutely needs to improve. A lot of players have faults. That's something I've tried to get better at.A lot of times people think if I shout amazing in the direction of the box that I'm uproar at them, but if you in fact listen to what a say a lot of the time I'm upset at myself.
The Scot once again carries the layer of the man who could end the 75-year wait for a British men's singles winner at a grand slam, but there is a noticeably more tranquil air to Murray this year. Gone is the shy young man who earned a reputation as a surly Scot for his performances in front of the cameras, and Murray feel being at ease with his everyday jobs off the tennis court has been a benefit on it.
Murray should have little trouble payment the first obstacle in his path to a first grand slam title when he takes on Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver in the third match on Centre Court on Monday. The British number one remains confident he can break his major duck, and he is hoping changes to his diet and training can help him repair the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
It's an exciting time for me and I'm much more expert than I ever was in the build-up to this Wimbledon.I'm taking things like my diet very; very seriously, my training is more specific than it's ever been. The on-court stuff, I feel just like I'm in a better place.When I'm on the practice court I'm enjoying it a lot, having fun but working hard and I just feel I understand better now how to approach matches in big contest and taking a lot more responsibility.