ANDY'S BETTER THAN EVER; Fed says Agassi's right to tip Murray.

Byline: DAVID McCARTHY 

ROGER FEDERER is world No 1, holder of 15 Grand Slam titles and was the winner of Wimbledon six weeks ago.

So he might have the right to be a little bit narked at Andre Agassi telling the world Andy Murray is going to rip his US Open crown from his head at Flushing Meadows next Sunday.

The young upstart hasn't even won a Grand Slam and here he is being touted as the winner by a guy who won eight? However, the retired American superstar is adamant our boy has the game to win in Uncle Sam's backyard.

Federer conceded yesterday Agassi might have a point but that doesn't mean the top seed is going to give anything away on court.

Agassi said: "I think where Andy's going to be most likely to win first is the US Open. He can absorb pace so well on this surface and move the ball around so easily.

Realistic "He's a tremendous mover and especially on the hard courts.

"I see Andy as a multiple Slam winner. I think he'll win on at least a couple of surfaces.

"I love what he does out there, he's learned to focus but has still kept that competitive edge.

"He has movement, athleticism and speed."

In the past Federer would have been annoyed by Agassi's prediction, just as he was at the Australian Open in January when Murray was made the bookies' favourite before a ball was struck.

But times are changing. The Swiss master, who smashed the Scot in straight sets in last year's final, feels the improvement in Murray's game makes him a realistic choice.

Federer certainly expects Murray, the man he is seeded to meet in the Final again next Sunday, to represent a major threat to his bid to win this title for a sixth year running.

The No.2 seed should take care of Chile's world No.87 Paul Capdeville in the second round today and the top seed reckons Murray will progress deep into the tournament.

Federer, already safely ensconced in the third round, said: "Many experts and former players always have their picks and not everybody can pick me so it's fine.

"I think Andy also deserves a few picks, no doubt, because he's played so well. The only thing is he hasn't won a Slam yet but he's still quite young. It's not like the guy is 35 years old. Obviously he still has time.

"But I think he is in the best shape of his life right now, just as he was last year as well.

"This year, with 12 months' extra experience, he's definitely got a great chance to do well."

Murray's chances are also being talked up by his former coach Brad Gilbert, now an analyst for ESPN.

The effusive American doesn't go as far as to say his former pupil will win the US Open but believes he is one of the players capable of doing so.

Gilbert watched Murray's victory over Ernests Gulbis and was impressed by the manner in which he responded to losing his serve to love in the second set.

He said:"Two years ago if Andy lost a service game like that he'd have blown a gasket and yelled at me. Now he can harness it and all you get from him is positive energy."

Murray's response to that was interesting. The Scot feels he'd have shouted at Gilbert because the two of them spent so much time together they got on each other's nerves.

Mature He said: "Soon after I stopped working with Brad my attitude changed. I did not enjoy travelling with one coach. I found it stressful, there was a lot of bickering and it carried on to the court.

"When I started with Brad it was fine but after a while I felt quite tired. I was not enjoying it.

"I enjoy working with the guys I am with now and there is no point getting angry."

Gilbert thinks Murray has grown up and said: "He's fitter and stronger so he is definitely in the mix. He is second favourite.

"He is more mature now, for sure, and is mentally strong enough to win. All the guys in the top eight are.

"But Andy is closest to knocking on the door. Keep knocking and eventually you will go through it."

CAPTION(S):

STRONG MAN: Andy Murray trains last night and Roger Federer, above, has him in his sights