Andy Murray believes ‘improved serving’ is critical for finding better form in 2024

Andy Murray believes that improving his serve could be the key to finding his best form heading into the 2024 season.

Murray is gearing up to compete in the Australian Open, which gets underway on January 14, where he is a five-time runner-up.

The 36 year old completed two back-to-back epic five set battles in Melbourne last year before being knocked out in the third round by Roberto Bautista Agut.

‘’Last year, when it came serving for matches, I was not getting many free points, ending up in long rallies,’’ Murray said ahead of his first round match against No. 30 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Sunday.

‘’I was just not feeling comfortable on the court.

"So hopefully, with some improved serving and feeling a bit better about my game, when I put myself in those situations, it goes well.’’

Murray’s preparation for the Australian Open did not quite go as planned, with the three-time Grand Slam champion being knocked out of the Brisbane International in the first round at the beginning of the month by eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov.

He was also then defeated in straight sets by Marin Cilic in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic on Wednesday.

‘’I was also playing rubbish," said Murray, who suffered six first-round defeats in 2023 and is currently ranked at No. 44 in the world.

‘’If you’ve been a top player, and then your ranking drops, you’re not winning as many matches.

"So, when you get in those situations, you probably don’t cope with them as well.

"Last year, I lost a number of matches I could have won.

‘’I know I’ve made improvements in the off-season. I was pushing a lot of guys even though I really didn’t feel good on the court.’’