TENNIS in DEPTH.

* Can Rafael Nadal, who admittedly is not at the level that has beaten Roger Federer in three straight Grand Slam finals, on three different surfaces, work his way back to that title form in the first week of the Open? “I think he could, absolutely. I know he’s complained a bit about things that are not knee related and he hasn’t served that big. But if he got through the first three or four matches, he’d have the advantage of being fresher because of his layoff.”

* In order to win the Open, does Andy Murray have to stop being a player who wins by forcing errors from opponents and become, selectively, a riskier, more aggressive player in the longer rallies? “Yes. I think he’s capable of volleying very skillfully. He’s got great hands and we know he’s in better shape than when he got to the Open final a year ago. The courts this year are going to play a little faster, so I think that might force the issue for him.”

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