Andy Murray hoping Novak Djokovic ‘takes eye off ball’ before Wimbledon after French Open victory

Andy Murray joked that he hopes Novak Djokovic will “take his eye off the ball” ahead of Wimbledon following his French Open win.

“I’m not saying he makes it look easy but he makes it look a lot more easy than it should,” said Murray of Djokovic, who he has competed against since their junior days.

“I am happy for him, he deserves it. When he beat me in the final of the (2016) French Open he lost motivation so maybe he can take his eye off the ball for the next few weeks heading into Wimbledon!

“But congratulations to him – it’s an incredible achievement.”

Murray is a three-time Grand Slam champion and will be aiming for another deep run at Wimbledon this summer.

At his peak he was competing regularly with Djokovic, Nadal and Federer, and in 2016 enjoyed a stunning finish to the season to become world No. 1.

Murray says the achievements of the legendary trio put his own accomplishments into perspective.

“Sometimes I watch them playing matches and I’m like ‘wow, I can’t believe I used to win and compete against them in the biggest matches in the biggest tournaments’.

“In 30 years’ time people who maybe don’t follow tennis that much will look back and say to me, ‘you won only three Grand Slams’. But each major that these guys win makes the accomplishments that I’ve had against them, and tournaments that I’ve won against them, greater.

“I certainly didn’t win all my matches against them but I won my fair few. I’m proud of what I achieved in what, without question, is the best era of men’s tennis by miles.”

Murray was impressive as he beat Jurij Rodionov in the Surbiton final.

He will next head to Nottingham as he continues his preparations for Wimbledon.

“The journey of getting back to this point has been tough and I think I played some good tennis at times this week and tennis what will give me a good opportunity, especially if I serve like that against most players and I am excited about that,” he reflected.

“It’s taken a long time to get back to this place and a lot of work with some tough losses, but I’ve kept working and believing.

“I didn’t know if I would be playing again, and I am fortunate to be back competing again at a high level.

“I don’t want to downplay this tournament because winning any tournament is great and winning tournaments at any level is not easy, but I still strive for more. I believe there is more in me so hopefully I can achieve that in the next few weeks.”