Murray Looks To Draw From Tokyo Memories

© ATPAndy Murray is the defending singles and doubles champion in Tokyo.

It’s been nearly three weeks since Andy Murray topped Novak Djokovic in five sets to lift his first Grand Slam trophy at the US Open. Returning to action in Tokyo, the World No. 3 looks to make his case for the year-end No. 1 South African Airways Ranking after making the most of his time away from the court.

“I had time for four or five days rest, which during the season, there’s not too many times you can get complete rest. That was nice,” Murray said on Sunday. “I was able to spend two-and-a-half weeks at home around my friends and family, so that was relaxing. A lot of the players at this stage of the year are tired, mentally and physically. You need to find the best way of managing that for the last couple months of the year.

“I’ll try and win as many matches as I can to finish the year. I would also like to play well in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. I didn’t have the chance to do that last year and that was a very disappointing way for me to finish the year. I want to make sure I am 100 per cent fit and healthy for that tournament so I can try and finish the year well there.”

Murray success at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships last year was twofold, as he upstaged Rafael Nadal to capture the singles title and partnered brother Jamie Murray to the doubles crown. The Dunblane, Scotland native is excited to return as he bids to repeat his 2011 performance. Murray has drawn Gael Monfils in a blockbuster first-round meeting.

“I like it here. You get good crowds for the matches. The centre court is nice to play on,” Murray said. “I have good memories from last year and it’s nice to come back. We got here much earlier than last year. I’ve had a few more days to enjoy the city a little bit. It’s been fun.

“I’ve got a tough first match against Monfils. I’ve lost to him a couple times and he’s a great athlete, so that’s going to be a tough match to start. I’m also looking forward to the doubles with my brother. We won here last year so I hope we can have another good tournament.”