Andy Murray says Rafa favourite for French Open

Rafa’s comeback after his long injury has seen him getting a lot of praises from other players and fans, although Murray’s remarks are the ones that has caused top ranked players to react to.

In a recent interview, the Scot claimed that Rafa was the favourite for French Open’13. Murray seems to be really impressed by the way Nadal has taken up his game after his comeback and feels that he is “ahead of the rest of the pack”.

Andy Murray, who celebrates his 26^th birthday today, said, “Rafa’s record on clay was incredible before the injury and I expected him to come back and play well.”

Rafa had said yesterday that he was playing at half of his actual strength due to his injury, which has kept him off the court for a pretty long time; Nadal has come down the ATP rankings to being the World No. 5.

He said, “I am not practising a lot, just 50 minutes today. One year ago I’d practise close to two hours on a day like this. But it seems that’s not decisive because I’m able to compete well.”

“For me to be here competing another time is fantastic news. I am enjoying it.”

Murray felt that Rafa was ahead of the rest even if the latter didn’t feel the same. Murray said,

“On clay he was quite far ahead of the rest of the pack so when he came back, even though his level maybe dropped a bit, once he starts to play more and more matches he’s going to get up to that level.”

“His consistency’s been very impressive since he’s come back. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain that because it’s not easy.”

Nole and Federer, who make up for the top order of the ATP rankings, didn’t quite agree with what Murray had to say pertaining to their performances in Foro Italico.

Djokovic played to the best of his abilities with his 6-2, 6-3 win over Albert Montanes.

Djokovic said, “It was good for the start but I can do better and my game has to improve to win the next challenge. But I’m in a good way and I did not have a great week in Madrid and I came here early and worked hard on the court. After the tournament in Rome with two Grand Slams in less than a month and it’s a very important period of the season and I need to be mentally and physically fit.”

Federer’s phenomenal 51 minute win against Potito Starace, with a score of 6-1 6-2, in the first round of Rome Masters, has amazed people around the world.

“I played well and things went well and I am happy that tonight is a good night,” said Federer. “There is always pressure in the first match especially in Italy against an Italian and so I am very happy.”

“I am happy and on the practice court I am finding my rhythm and so I think that if there was a big tournament or a Grand Slam or a semi or final then I feel I would be ready and I am there where I want to be and so it would be good to gain confidence and win on clay and I am happy how I am feeling now. “

“I think I was able to play the whole arsenal – the whole thing so it was a good win for me tonight especially against Potito who has already played on clay and I have not.”

When asked about Murray’s comments, the humble Nadal, did not agree with him.

He said, “No. I never had that feeling and so this is why I had this success .I respect every player and I don’t feel better and I think I can lose or win and I think every match is important. This is why I have been able to play well in my career and everything can happen and from the first ball to the final against a top player.”