Djokovic to slam rivals

THE annual argument over our star tennis player will begin all over again next week.

Can Andy Murray finally land the grand slam tennis tournament his talent deserves, or will he continue to emulate those other great British sportsmen for whom major success is so elusive?

This year has started well for Murray, who has already landed the Brisbane title in his build-up to the Australian Open in Melbourne which begins next week.

I believe Murray has more than enough talent to win a grand slam and Melbourne, where he was runner-up last year, has been pretty kind to him.

However, like many before him, making that big stride from big tournament winner to major champion has so far proved beyond him.

I believe it is a mental thing, and that the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are simply too strong between the ears.

Murray can, and has beaten them in the past. But when it matters – when it really matters – he has been found wanting, not least when blown away in straight sets by Djokovic in last year’s Australian final.

I am afraid a similar scenario awaits with Djokovic seeded one and Murray four.

They are due to clash in the semi-finals and that is where our man is likely to bow out.

Nadal and Roger Federer, seeded two and three, are on course for their own semi-final showdown and recent form points to the suave Swiss.

From a punting perspective, I cannot look beyond Djokovic, who won three majors last year and can start 2012 by collecting again. Take the 11-8 on offer because I have him odds-on in my book.

Federer is the most likely beneficiary of any Djokovic slip at 4-1, while Murray is too short at 5-1 and Nadal, who has had injury problems, is 13-2 for that very reason.

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