US Open: Andy Murray back where it all began last year

In 2012,Murray arrived in New York still searching for his first grand slam title. He had won the Olympic gold medal but the grand slams had eluded him and he continued to be pestered about why he had not broken through.

That all changed under the bright lights of New York when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic in a nerve-tingling five-setter,to end his own drought and become the first British man in 76 years to win the U.S. Open. Returning this year as the defending champion has rekindled those memories though he confessed his emotions last year were somewhat stifled.

I was so relieved that night that maybe I didnt have the chance to maybe enjoy it maybe as much as Wimbledon or the Olympics,for example, he said. There was so much relief last year that I wasnt necessarily enjoying it as much as I should have.

So when I came back and practiced on the Arthur Ashe court,you know,the memories came back,and that was nice.

Despite his breakthrough,Murray knew winning the U.S. Open was never going to release the full expectation on him from the British public. That only came when he won Wimbledon in July,a moment etched in British sporting history but one that was a blur to him.

With the weight of expectation lifted from shoulders,Murray holds no fears about trying to defend his title at Flushing Meadows,the most raucous and intimidating venues of the four grand slams.

I think there is less pressure. I think before the first match – and probably anything before the first match there will be nerves there – I expect to be pretty nervous because its a new experience and its different, he said.

But I think once the tournament gets going,I dont think it changes. I dont think it changes too much.

There was a lot of pressure on me for a lot of years to win a grand slam,and then same sort of thing at Wimbledon. I wouldnt imagine it would be the same here.