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Andy Murray has an intense year ahead of him

By Geoff Nichols

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Andy Murray has an intense year ahead of him

Following a blistering start to 2015, there is no sign of slowing down for Andy Murray as he enters the second half of the year. As we have already discussed, the world number 3 is having one of the most consistent years of his career, registering 48 wins for only 8 losses.

One symptom of a successful year is the number of matches that a player can end up competing in. Murray’s clay court season, despite being shortened because of his wedding, was actually more demanding than in previous years. Consecutive titles meant Murray had already spent a lot of time on court, even before the French Open.

After his Davis Cup quarter final heroics the week after Wimbledon, Murray is enjoying a well earned rest. He took a complete break from tennis for a couple of days to recharge, before switching his focus to the American hard court season.

Second Half of 2015

3rd AugWashington
10th AugMontreal
16th AugCincinnati
31st AugUS Open
18th SepDavis Cup SF
5th OctBeijing/Tokyo
11th OctShanghai
19th OctVienna
26th OctBasel
2th NovParis
15th NovWorld Tour Finals
27th NovDavis Cup F

Perhaps not anticipating the success he would enjoy in the first half of the year both personally and with Great Britain in the Davis Cup, Murray has committed to a number of lesser events on the tour this season. His streak of tournament wins at ATP 250 and 500 events may have also contributed to this strategy.

He entered the ATP Munich 250 event during the clay season, the first time he had entered an event at that tier on the clay for many years. It proved to be just what was required as he gained confidence on the surface. This approach has been repeated in the second half of the year.

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Murray has entered the ATP Washington 500 event, where he is the top seed. It means he must return to action a week earlier than the majority of his compatriots, but he still seems intent on playing the event. When you are winning, it is much easier to pack the schedule and I am sure Murray is keen to maximise his good form and health.

The rest of the year will be busy, but nothing compared to the packed schedule he put on at the end of 2014 in a desperate bid the qualify for the World Tour Finals. He has amassed sufficient points in the first half of this year to not worry about the points he is defending from the European hard courts.

One addition, which will surely be a welcome one for Murray, is his Davis Cup commitments. The semi final against Australia falls immediately after the US Open and will be a tie that demands a huge amount of physical and also mental endurance.

First Half of 2016

The intense scheduling doesn’t stop there for Murray, who has withdrawn from the off season IPTL no doubt aware of avoiding burn out. He has to consider that the first half of 2016 will be another busy time, especially as he searches for his first Australian Open and French Open titles.

It is no secret that Murray would like to win one of every major event in his career. Now having a shout at the French Open and the Davis Cup, along with his consistent brilliance in Australia, the World Tour Finals is the only obvious trophy that he is still some way from winning.

2016 Olympics: 5th to 21st August

Tennis Event: 6th to 14th August

The Olympics also swings back around this year. The event will be played on a fast hard court surface called DecoTurf, which used in North American tournaments including the US Open, a move that ought to limit the disruption for players.

For defending champion Murray, he will be eyeing up another medal haul. Whilst not desperate for a singles gold to complete his title haul, he will feel the national spirit and the expectation to perform like in 2012. He would also love to win the men’s doubles event with brother Jamie, likely entering all three events in the week.

Next: Wimbledon 2015: Top 5 Upsets in Men's Draw

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