Andy Murray does not believe his poor record against Tomas Berdych puts him at a disadvantage heading into Saturday's US Open semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
Aside from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Murray has a winning record against every other member of the top 10, with the exception of Berdych. The pair have met six times before, with the big-hitting Czech winning four of those matches, including their only previous grand slam clash in the fourth round of the French Open two years ago.
The 25-year-old told Press Association Sport: "It's about who plays the best tennis on the day. I've got great respect for Tomas and he's got a big game and I'll need to be at my best in the semi-final if I want to have a chance of winning."
Murray did beat Berdych in Dubai this year for his first victory over the world number seven in six years, but he lost their most recent match on clay in Monte Carlo in April. The threat of Berdych was all too clear in his stunning four-set victory over Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, but Murray is confident he has done everything to prepare in the right way.
Murray added: "But I've had a couple of days on the practice court now with (coach) Ivan (Lendl) and we're working hard on a gameplan. I'm happy with the preparations and am in a good place.
"I've had close matches with Tomas and he's a very good player who's just beaten Roger Federer. But all I can worry about and focus on is my game and make sure I'm ready for the challenge on Saturday."
Murray began working with Lendl at the start of the year and the partnership has clearly borne fruit. As well as winning the biggest title of his career at the Olympics, Murray has improved various things in his game, and particularly his demeanour on court, and appears closer than ever to a first grand slam title.
Lendl, in his first coaching job, sits stony faced in the stands watching his charge but, having also lost his first four grand slam finals, the eight-time slam champion appears to know just the right things to say to Murray.
The Scot said: "He's made a big difference. Going into grand slams, I've started to understand certain things better and how to go about my business not just on the court but off it as well.
"To conserve energy, to go into the matches with the right mindset and attitude. I think I have improved since I started working with him. I think I'm playing better tennis and understanding how best to play the big points in the important matches."
