Murray’s Chances of Winning The US Open 2009

At the end of this month (August 09) the last tennis major of this year – The US Open – will be contested and the bookies have placed Britain’s Andy Murray as 2nd favourite. Murray claimed the seeding of No.2 in the World Tennis rankings earlier in the week and this must boost his confidence about winning the US Open – it’s certainly boosted the bookies thoughts on his chances. But let’s be clear about this, no matter how we feel about Murray, his position of second seed is as much to do with Nadal’s long-term injury than Murray’s winning performances in the Masters series.

US Open Tennis betting fans will be watching the up-coming Cincinnati Masters closely as an indicator for the forthcoming US Open. Murray will be defending his title, after claiming the Cincinnati Masters last year prior to his grand slam final defeat to Roger Federer in the finals of the US Open. Rafael Nadal, now occupying the No.3 position in the rankings will also be competing (after being absent from the game for nigh on two months thanks to an knee injury) it is thought his progression might be on the gentle side as he nurses his comeback to full health.

Does rankings play a part on a players confidence? Absolutely! According to many sports psychologists involved within Tennis : Players become intimidated and worry about the skills or ranking of their opponent, which causes them to feel inferior or lose confidence in ability to win. However, that flies in the face of Nadal as he gave his opinion about being seeded No 3 : “It’s only a number, I hope to be ready in the future to come back to No. 2 or to be in the top position … No. 3 is a very good number, too.” As for Murray he is obviously delighted about splitting Federer and Nadal as he quipped, “Getting to number two for the first time is great for me.”

One thing that is certain come the start of the US Open, Murray will welcome any help that comes his way and if that help is a boost in the World standings then so be it.