Andy Murray believes ‘improved serving’ the key to better form as he targets deep run at 2024 Australian Open

Andy Murray admits his serving has got to improve if he’s to have any chance of a strong run at the Australian Open.

Murray reached the third round in Melbourne 12 months ago, but that proved one of the high points of a year in which he suffered six first-round exits and made it to just one quarter-final.

“I was just not feeling comfortable on the court.

“So hopefully, with some improved serving and feeling a bit better about my game, when I put myself in those situations, it goes well.”

He was also beaten 6-3 7-5 by Marin Cilic in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic on Wednesday.

He will find out his fate for the Australian Open when the draw takes place on Thursday, and despite being beaten twice in succession to kick off 2024, he believes his game is in a much better place than the back end of 2023.

“I was also playing rubbish,” he admits after dropping to No. 44 in the world.

“If you’ve been a top player, and then your ranking drops, you’re not winning as many matches.

“So when you get in those situations, you probably don’t cope with them as well.

“Last year, I lost a number of matches I could have won. I know I’ve made improvements in the off-season. I was pushing a lot of guys even though I really didn’t feel good on the court.”