TENNIS:ANDY MURRAY'S triumph in beating Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the same tournament for the first time has raised hopes he will become the first British player in more than 70 years to win a men's grand slam.

The world’s top two singles players believe the Scot is ready to win a major and, ahead of the US Open, Murray agrees. The latest odds show Murray moving into joint second place in the betting with Federer at 3 to 1, just over a point behind Nadal, who has so far failed to reach a final on the hard courts of New York.

One of the notable features of Murray’s title defence at the Canadian Masters was his sense that the time for achievement had come. His developing mental strength looked equal to two of the most steely-minded personalities the sport has had.

Murray could not hide his confidence. “I believe I am good enough to do it,” he said when asked about winning the US Open. There is no sign Murray has suffered since parting company with his coach Miles Maclagan last month. He was more frequently the aggressor last week than he often has been, landing first serves at crucial moments, risking bigger forehands, and dictating more often. Wisely, the Scot did qualify his belief his big moment may come next month at Flushing Meadows. “It’s a very, very difficult thing to do just now because Roger and Rafa are the two best rivals ever,” he said.

What makes it more possible is that Sunday’s 7-5, 7-5 success was the first Murray has had against Federer in a final, even though he has beaten the grand slam record-holder in seven of their 12 encounters.

Federer can no longer easily claim he always wins when it matters, and his words reflected this. “It’s obviously nice [for Murray],” he said. “It still doesn’t give you a grand slam title – what you guys are expecting him to do so badly – but it’s definitely the right direction. To me, he doesn’t need to prove his point anymore. He’s beaten me seven times now. He’s beaten Rafa in the past on hard courts. It was just another great showing from him on a big stage.”

Nadal, a friend since they were teenagers, had already suggested Murray could win a grand slam soon. Guardian Service