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Greg Rusedski exclusive: This is Andy Murray’s best chance to win French Open
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Published 02/06/2016 at 16:36 GMT+1
This year’s French Open represents the best opportunity Andy Murray has ever had to win the Grand Slam at Roland Garros, former British star Greg Rusedski has exclusively told Eurosport.
Andy Murray reacts during his match against Richard Gasquet at Roland Garros
Image credit: Reuters
Murray, the second seed in Paris, beat home favourite Richard Gasquet on Wednesday to set up a hotly-anticipated semi-final with defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka.
With world number one Novak Djokovic on the other side of the draw and expected to reach the final Murray hardly has it easy from the last-four stage onwards, but Rusedski believes Murray “has a great chance” of securing a famous triumph on the red clay.
'Murray has a great chance of winning'
“I think Andy Murray has a great chance of winning the tournament this year, he’s playing some great tennis,” Rusedski exclusively told Eurosport in a live Facebook chat.
"The draw has worked out favourably so he has an extra day off compared to Novak Djokovic who is in the top half.
“It’s a 50-50 encounter because if you look at the match up, Wawrinka is the defending champion and is playing great with all the firepower. He’s also won all of their matches on clay and the last three they have played.
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Top 5, day 11: Murray takes top spot with breathtaking defence
Video credit: TNT Sports
“But Murray is a different player and is playing much better: his second serve is faster; his groundstrokes are harder; he’s transitioning better – so it’s a tough one to call,” he added.
"It is going to be a classic, it's going to be big and whoever wins through is going to have to play an incredible match."
Djokovic, however, will be just as desperate as Murray to finally triumph at Roland Garros – if not more – having reached the semi-finals for the eighth time on Thursday, but Rusedski believes he almost wants it too badly.
'Djokovic not thinking clearly'
“But if he gets his game in the right shape and he can stay calm in the final and handle the pressure, he’s got a great opportunity.
“It really is intriguing because you have three guys with Djokovic, Murray and Wawrinka who all have great chances to win the tournament and there is no clear favourite between them.”
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Highlights: Murray ousts home favourite Gasquet
Video credit: TNT Sports
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