Murray confident despite taunts

British number one Andy Murray has hit back at Austrian claims he may struggle with the pressure when they meet this weekend in a Davis Cup World Group play-off tie.
Jurgen Melzer, who is Austria's top ranked player at world number 41, has claimed that after such a successful summer the Scot may find it hard to re-adjust his focus.

Murray became the first British Grand Slam finalist in 11 years at the US Open, beating world number one Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals, before losing in straight sets to defending champion Roger Federer in the title match.

But the 21-year-old, who missed Great Britain's 4-1 first round World Group loss to Argentina earlier in the year, says he will have no problems in making the switch back to grass and focusing on the job in hand - ensuring that they remain in the World Group for next year's Davis Cup.

"I'm confident I'll be able to handle the pressure," Murray said.

Melzer gave Murray a gruelling fourth round test at Flushing Meadows leading the world number four two sets to one before running out of steam and going down 6-7 4-6 7-6 6-1 6-3.

"Andy isn't in an easy position because the whole country expects him to win the Davis Cup by himself," the Austrian claimed.

"After playing such a great Grand Slam I imagine it would be tough to get your head clear and focus. Britain want to be in the World Group so there's a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Let's see how he copes with that on the weekend."

But while British team captain John Lloyd admits the tie will be a tough one, Murray has dismissed the suggestions of increases pressure.

"I don't think there's a lot of pressure on me," he said. "Jurgen doesn't have a particularly good Davis Cup record.

"Jurgen's a really tough player who did very well at the US Open. He can put you under a lot of pressure purely because of the way he plays - he rushes in a bit and takes a lot of risks.

"For me, I don't put an extra pressure on myself when I play Davis Cup. I'm confident I'll be able to handle the pressure."

The tie takes place on Wimbledon's Court One between Friday and Sunday and will decide who remains in the World Group and who is relegated to the Europe/Africa zone for next year.

Draw

Friday (starts 1100 BST):

Bogdanovic v Melzer; A Murray v Peya

Saturday (starts 1300 BST):

Hutchins & J Murray v Knowle & Melzer

Sunday (starts 1100 BST):

A Murray v Melzer; Bogdanovic v Peya

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