Murray keen to overtake Federer in world rankings

LONDON - The world’s third best and Britain’s top tennis player Andy Murray has set himself an ambitious target for this year’s French Open - replacing Roger Federer as the world No 2.

The Scot goes into the clay-court Grand Slam event hoping to reach the second week for the first time.

Murray, who faces Argentina’s Juan Ignacio Chela in today’s first round, admitted: “That’s what I want to try to do here.

“From the start of the tournament, I’ve obviously got a lot to gain and unless Federer wins the tournament, he’s going to lose points. I could do it here at this tournament,” the News of The World quoted Murray, as saying.

Unless Federer loses in the first week, Murray needs to reach the semi-finals in Paris to overtake him. Just 12 months ago, Murray was ranked at No 12 and had never reached a Grand Slam quarter-final.

But, after making the last eight at Wimbledon, he went on a stunning run and reached the final of the US Open. Six tournament victories since August have lifted Murray above Novak Djokovic to No 3 - the highest ranking by any Brit since the system was introduced in 1973.

But passing Federer, who is just one short of the record of 14 Grand Slam titles held by Pete Sampras, would be something extra-special.

Murray added: “When you get closer to doing something like that - to overtake Roger Federer in the rankings - it’s big news. (ANI)