Boris Becker believes Andy Murray could end up with similar career haul

Six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker believes Andy Murray could end up with a similar career haul after breaking his duck at the US Open.

The British number one will celebrate in his home town of Dunblane today after Monday's triumph in New York, when he beat world number one Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final.

That followed his Olympic success against Roger Federer in what Becker acknowledged was a "golden" period for Murray since taking on Ivan Lendl, who won eight grand slam singles titles in his own playing days, as his coach.

The German told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "Andy is 25 and has matured, he has played for a number of years at a high level, and the hiring of Ivan Lendl was golden.

"They're making a great team, he had a great Wimbledon final and won the Olympic gold medal, beating Djokovic and Federer along the way.

"I don't think Andy Murray played his best tennis at the US Open. He found a way to win and he played his best tennis when it mattered most.

"It's a life-changing moment for him, the monkey is off his back now and he can breathe a little bit."

Becker's grand slam haul included three Wimbledon titles and three further successes on the hard courts of the United States and Australia, with the French Open the only major to elude him.

The 44-year-old expects Murray's career to unfold along similar lines and can also see him challenging seriously for the world number one ranking as early as next year.

"I think he'll win a couple more grand slams and be challenging for the number one ranking in the world," he said. "He's always challenging, three of the four grand slams suit him, so I wouldn't be surprised if he wins two, three, four or five more.

"I think the ranking position is clear at the moment, Djokovic or Federer will be number one at the end of the year, but I wouldn't be surprised by May or June if it's awfully close."

PA