No 'mental hurdles' for Andy Murray ahead of Australian Open

Andy Murray

Andy Murray

London: Andy Murray says he does not have a mental block when it comes to the Australian Open despite losing the final of the opening Grand Slam of the season five times.

The World No. 1 - whose season opened with a defeat in the Qatar Open to Novak Djokovic - told The Times in an interview he had also pondered over whether he should accept the knighthood he received in the New Year's Honours list.

Murray, who is in Australia preparing for next week's Aussie Open, is adamant he no longer has issues over tournaments he has yet to win. "I don't feel like I have mental hurdles now," said Murray. "I feel like I'm past that, to be honest. I just go there and give my best to win. So long as I give my best effort, I don't judge myself or feel like I've failed here (Melbourne) or anything like that."

Murray admitted he had conferred with those closest to him over whether to accept the knighthood. "I spoke to a few of the people closest to me. I do feel like it's a big honour to be offered, but with that comes maybe a little bit more responsibility," said Murray.