Is that true? I don't sense any expectations. I think that it is hope and support, but I think that nobody expects him to beat Federer, Djokovic or Nadal when he comes up against them in a major.
Well then you sense wrong. Murray is getting closer and expectations are certainly growing that he will win his first slam soon. He is on an island on his own right now as world no 4. He's clearly better than the rest, but having not won a slam he does not warrant being in the same group as Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. But there is a very considerable distance between him and Tsonga (current world no 5).
Murray has won 8 Masters titles (the other 10 major titles below the 4 grand slams) and beaten the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Del Potro in these finals. I also believe he has made massive progress in the aggression of his game over the last year, which was very evident at Wimbledon. I simply think he's one of those players who is getting better and better mentally as the years go by, which I am very confident will culminate in at least a couple grand slam. There's a lot of fanboy rubbish in this thread by people who hardy watch the game ... Stuff like "Fed battered him in the last 2 sets". Murray was close and was always confidently going for his shots, which to those who have followed his career will understand is something he's not always done. There is also a big difference between forcing yourself to go for.big shots in hope, and actually doing this from instinct and having an expectation that you will make them. The latter now applies to Murray and that is a huge breakthrough. Working with Lendl is having a big effect.
It's also important to remember that Djokovic was considered in the same category as Murray up until a couple years ago. In fact I put Murray above Djokovic. Then Djokovic found an extra 10% from somewhere (mainly through diet) to find that extra gear and now he is the best player in the game right now. If Djokovic can do it, Murray can. It's a major achievement to get to 4 grand slam finals. He keeps on getting to one every year. Only special players can do this. As other have said, the likes of Lendl lost their first few before eventually making their breakthrough and going on to win many. You can add Agassi to that list too ... He lost his first 3 before going on to win his first at Wimbledon and then winning many many more.
I'd like to see Murray to get himself in tip top condition for the hard court season, and really try to win the Rogers Cup and Cincinatti before having a real crack at the US Open. I think he looks like he's in a good zone right now and he needs to build on it.
