28th June, 2012
Nikolay Davydenko does not believe Scottish Andy Murray has what it takes to win the tournament.
Murray brushed aside Davydenko in a 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round match on Tuesday. Davydenko suggested 25-year-old Murray may struggle to secure a grand slam title having failed to do so in his career to date.
“Murray has reached the Australian Open final but it doesn’t look like he has enough to win it,” he said.
“When you look at Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic they look like different players. I think it’s difficult for him to go to that level.”
The British Number 1 has come in for criticism recently for his demonstrative way of dealing with on-court aches and pains, with former Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade describing him as a “drama queen”.
Davydenko, 31, also believes looks can be deceptive when it comes to the fitness of Murray in this year’s Wimbledon Open.
“We just laugh sometimes,” he said. “Sometimes he walks on court, he looks tired, like he doesn’t want to run anymore and then he runs like an animal.
“He has done that all his career.”
He continued: “He may have a pain somewhere but if you ask any player they will all say they have pains here and there.
“Nobody says they are perfect. It’s just not possible.”