Andy Murray admits he is relishing the experience of playing big matches following his Australian Open triumph over Rafael Nadal.
World number four revelling in quarter-final success
Andy Murray admits he is relishing the experience of playing big grand slam matches following his Australian Open quarter-final triumph over Rafael Nadal.
The 22-year-old dominated the Spaniard in possibly the best performance of his career on Tuesday until the world number two and defending champion, down by 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 3-0, was forced to retire with a knee injury.
The absorbing clash also saw a resolute Murray prove his fight as he twice battled back from a break down in the first two sets.
Spotlight
The match was given top-billing in the Rod Laver Arena in front of a captivated 15,000-capacity crowd, and the Scot confessed he felt at home under the spotlight.
"I was really looking forward to playing Rafa," said Murray, who will face 14th seed Marin Cilic in his semi-final clash on Thursday in a night-session match at Rod Laver Arena.
"I guess at the end of your career, they're the sort of matches that you remember.
"To get the chance to play against him on centre court at the Australian Open is something I would have loved to have done when I was a kid growing up.
"You need to try and have that same sort of mentality when you start playing on the tour, in the big matches - you have to remember how you felt when you were young.
"These matches don't come around that often. When they do, you have to make sure you enjoy them."
Murray believes he did not earn his place amongst the world's top players until his run to the final of the US Open.
"I think like after the US Open in 2008, when I reached the final there, on the way I won against Rafa and (Juan Martin) del Potro - that was really when I started to feel like I could compete at the very highest level of the game," he said.
"I think definitely now I'm ready to win a grand slam and hopefully I can do it here."
Star status
The Scot's status as a star player was cemented by the presence of boxer Ricky Hatton in the crowd, and avid boxing fan Murray was wowed by his appearance.
"That was pretty cool (that he came to watch). I'm a huge boxing fan and I'd never met him before," he added.
"I spoke to him for 15 or 20 minutes after the match. He's a really, really nice guy."
