Rod Laver backs Murray to overcome Djokovic in Australian Open final

MELBOURNE - Australian tennis legend Rod Laver believes that World No.5 Andy Murray can break his Grand Slam drought by winning the men’s singles title of the ongoing Australian Open.

Laver says that Murray can overcome 2008 champion Novak Djokovic in a close battle in Sunday’s final.

“Djokovic has an edge because he has won it before, but I think Murray might just get him,” the Herald Sun quoted Laver, as saying.

“I think Murray has enough experience to handle the nerves, but it will be very close. I’m expecting a real even contest.”I’d like to see him win because the English fans have been asking for someone to break through for so long,” he added.

The 72-year-old further said that Murray needs to play intelligent tennis and mix his shots throughout the match.

“If it gets into a hitting match, Djokovic will win, but if Murray can mix it up often he has the ability to pull it off,” Laver said.

“Djokovic is tenacious and he doesn’t give up. He has a good serve, and his groundstrokes are probably better than Murray’s. But Murray is more versatile. If he keeps Djokovic guessing he can win,” he added.

Murray has lost his two previous Grand Slam finals, both against Roger Federer, and has the added pressure of potentially being the first British major winner in 75 years.

World No.3 Djokovic holds a 4-3 edge over Murray in head-to-head matches, but Murray has won the last three.

No British male has won a Grand Slam singles title since Fred Perry in 1936. (ANI)