Former World no.1 Andy Murray has expressed confidence that he can beat the top players before his match against Casper Ruud in San Diego. Murray recently made it to the quarterfinals of the Moselle Open in Metz but eventually lost to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.

There is no doubt that Murray has gained confidence in the recent past despite the fact it hasn’t been easy for him after recovering from a hip injury. Murray is currently ranked at 109th position in the ATP rankings and his aim will be to break into the top 100 for the first time since 2018.

On the other hand, Casper Ruud has won several clay tournaments in the ongoing season and also played well in the Laver Cup. Furthermore, Ruud is currently placed at 10th place in the ATP Rankings and thus it is going to be a tough job for Murray to go past the Norwegian.

“It’s been better,” Murray said. “The US Open was sort of the start of where I played a bit better and I just need to start beating some higher-ranked players.

“I´ve had opportunities in those matches against the top players I´ve played. I think I can beat them. I just need to start converting some of my opportunities against them.”

Meanwhile, Murray came close to beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of the US Open. However, the Greek player was able to clinch the thrilling five-setter match.

Murray, the three-time slam champion, defeated America’s Denis Kudla in the first round of the San Diego Open in straight sets but there is no doubt he will have work cut out against Ruud in the second round.