Djokovic - Murray can challenge big two

General / Editor / 31 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Novak Djokovic believes he and Andy Murray are among a group of players who can challenge Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for major honours.

The world number six is rated as one of the best youngsters on the circuit and has already claimed three titles this season in Adelaide, Miami and Estoril.

The Serbian starlet has a perfect record against British number one Murray, having beaten him three times, although the pair will not have the chance to meet at the French Open with the Scot's wrist injury sidelining him from the Roland Garros showpiece.

Federer and Nadal (3.15 and 1.86 respectively to win the French) appear way ahead of the chasing pack at present but Djokovic (36 to win) feels there are a least four or five players capable of giving them a run for their money.

"I agree that Murray, Gasquet, myself, maybe Monfils and Berdych - this group of young players can do damage to the best two players in the world," he said.

"For sure we're candidates for those places and we've shown our quality in the last year or so."

Djokovic faces Laurent Recouderc of France in round two in Paris and the Serb is a short price 1.02 favourite to progress with his opponent offered at 34 to cause a shock.

Murray 'Specials' are available on Betfair, with markets for a 'Season Top 5 finish', 'Tournament Wins' and his 'Wimbledon Seeding' and Djokovic hopes his great friend can bounce back and avoid the injuries that have blighted the early part of his career.

"You've got to take care of your body and I think he's learned the lesson now," he told BBC Sport. "Obviously he was not taking care of his body and he's got the injury which brought him a lot of negative things."

"This is an individual sport and every muscle is involved. I hope we have a long career."