Murray claims he has psychological edge

Andy Murray feels his come-from-behind victory against Jurgen Melzer at the US Open last year could give him the psychological edge when the pair meet again in the Australian Open tomorrow.

Murray, the world number four and one of the favourites at this year’s grand slam in Melbourne, was on the verge of losing to the Austrian left-hander in the third round at Flushing Meadows before rallying for a 6-7 (5/7) 4-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-1 6-3 win.

From there he went all the way to the final, losing to Roger Federer.

The British number one will rekindle his rivalry with Melzer, which also includes success against the 27-year-old in last year’s Davis Cup World Group play-offs, in the third round in Melbourne.

It is likely to be Murray’s first real test in the tournament after his opening match was cut short by Andrei Pavel’s retirement and his comfortable straight-sets win against Marcel Granollers in Thursday’s night match.

Perhaps significantly Melzer admitted he had thrown everything he had at Murray in their five-setter in New York, yet it had not been enough.

“You know, the US Open was, I think, mentally quite a tough one for him. He told me after the match he played one of his best matches and obviously, I still came through that one,” the 21-year-old Scot said.

“I know that I’m going to have to play well to win the match. But I just think mentally, going in I’m going to feel better this time than I was going in playing against him at the US Open.” Murray said.