Andy Murray says he has never gone to Wimbledon in a richer vein of form after the Scot beat Milos Raonic to seal a record fifth title at Queen’s.
Murray came from a set and a break down against the big-serving Canadian to win 6-7 (5/7) 6-4 6-3, moving ahead of four-time Aegon Championships winners like Andy Roddick, Boris Becker, Lleyton Hewitt and John McEnroe in the process.
The victory also tees the Scot up perfectly for Wimbledon in seven days’ time, where he will start as second seed and the greatest threat to world number one Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic, the current holder of all four grand-slam titles, has beaten Murray in both the Australian and French Open finals this year but with new coach Ivan Lendl back by his side, the British number one is poised for another challenge.
His form is excellent, having reached four consecutive tournament finals – in Madrid, Rome, Paris and now London – for the first time in his career, and Murray admits he feels well-placed.
“I probably haven’t done that before so that’s again a good sign,” Murray said.
“I hadn’t thought about it but it’s a sign things are going in the right direction the last few months.
“Even in Monte Carlo, I was pretty close to reaching the final there too.
“But I am giving myself chances every week right now and winning a lot of matches. It’s been a good three months or so and I need to try keep that up between now and the end of the year.”
Murray, who arrived at Queen’s feeling under the weather and who has occasionally struggled with a stiff shoulder, will use next week for a combination of practice with Lendl and rest.
Less than two hours after lifting the trophy, the world number two admitted his debrief with Lendl and assistant coach Jamie Delgado had focused on what now lies ahead.
“We chatted with Ivan and Jamie just now. We spoke a little bit about today’s match but mainly more about next week and planning for Wimbledon,” Murray said.
“I like that. It’s not concentrating too much on the win today. It’s like, ‘Okay, great, now what do we do tomorrow? What do we do to get better over these next few days to put myself in a better position for Wimbledon?”‘
