Andy Murray tipped to win US Open by former players Ivanisevic and Wilander

Two former Grand Slam winners have tipped Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray to win this year's US Open. The Scottish player has never won a Grand Slam tournament, losing all three finals in which he took part, including one at the US Open back in 2008. But now 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic and 1988 US Open winner Mats Wilander both back Murray for success in New York this time. The first match of the tournament will be played on 27 August. "The US Open is his best surface so I think he will do it," Ivanisevic said. "If Andy plays well, he can win." Ivanisevic also believes Murray's success at the 2012 Olympic Games in London should prove a boost. "He played a really great Olympic Games and I think this will give him extra motivation and confidence," Ivanisevic said. "I would really like to see him win it - he deserves it." Mats Wilander won seven Grand Slam singles titles between 1982 and 1988, including one at the US Open. He too predicted success for Murray at Flushing Meadows, relying on the influence of his old adversary Ivan Lendl as the Andy's coach. "Ivan Lendl has helped Murray tremendously," Wilander said. "He's becoming better physically all the time, he hits his forehand better, but the biggest difference is emotionally. He's more even-keeled, he's more positive and there's not as much pressure for him at the US Open as there is at Wimbledon. My prediction is Andy Murray winning in the finals against either Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer." Both Wilander and Ivanisevic now play on the seniors' tour and are participating in the Statoil Masters Tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall in London from 5-9 December. However, the bookmakers don't see Murray as the favourite for the US Open crown. Here are the outright odds from Bet365: Novak Djokovic – 6/4 Roger Federer – 5/2 Andy Murray – 10/3 Juan Martin Del Potro – 8/1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – 28/1