Will Murray Turn Potential Into Titles?

Physical Strength but what about Mental Strength?

British No.1 Andy Murray crashed out of yet another Grand Slam following semi-final defeat to Rafael Nadal at the French Open

The Scot had been plagued by a troublesome ankle injury sustained against Michael Berrer in the third round but battled on to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Murray was eventually beaten convincingly by the ‘Clay Court King’ Nadal and yet again that allusive Grand Slam title evades the Scot.

Questions have to be raised as to whether the World No.4 has the mentality to turn his potential into titles.

There is no question that the 24 year-old possesses the weapons in his armoury to become the first Brit since Fred Perry to win a Grand Slam, but what is he missing?   

Murray first came onto the radar at the tender age of 18 following his third round success at Wimbledon in 2005 and it was clear even then he had great potential.

He played with real venom and his never say die attitude allowed for some impressive displays before eventually being defeated by former champion David Nalbandian.

The Scot was viewed as a breath of fresh air for British Tennis following the disappointment of Tim Henman but he would have to be nurtured correctly in order to fulfil his potential.

Four years later and Murray reached his highest World ranking climbing to No.2 and it was expected that Murray would push on to claim a Grand Slam.

Two years on and many injuries later the World No.2 soon slipped to No.4 in the World and although widely recognised as an almost complete player, his potential was still yet develop into Grand Slam success.

So what do the likes of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have that Murray doesn’t?  

On paper he possess all the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level but what separates him from the rest is his poor on court mentality.

Very rarely will you see the likes of Federer or Nadal complaining to their box or screaming obscenities on the court.

Very rarely would you see these players vent their frustration and sulk on court and that is the key difference.

At an early age commentators would say that he would mature and he would eliminate these demons from his game with age but at 24 his emotions still take control of his game.

His mentality could be as a result of a career plagued by injury or the momentous pressure put on him to win a Grand Slam.

Whatever the reason, I am under the impression that in order to eradicate his emotional demons he must have the right coach behind him.

It is imperative that he obtains a coach who is not in it for the money and is willing to be firm with him to correct his current attitude on the court. 

It could be argued that few want to mess with British Tennis’ most prized possession but in order for him to take his game to the next level he needs stability and a strict coach.

If Murray is able to overcome this problem then there is no doubt that his time will come but the issue needs resolving sooner, rather than later.

With Wimbledon fast approaching, expectations will no doubt be high following his displays in Roland Garros, but will it be his time?