Murray: Raonic stepping into the unknown

World number two Murray will play in his 11th grand slam final on Sunday, with either Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic having provided the opposition in each of the first 10.

Published : Jul 10, 2016 01:24 IST , London

Milos Raonic will be in his maiden final at the highest level and Andy Murray will aim to exploit the Canadian's inexperience.
Milos Raonic will be in his maiden final at the highest level and Andy Murray will aim to exploit the Canadian's inexperience.
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Milos Raonic will be in his maiden final at the highest level and Andy Murray will aim to exploit the Canadian's inexperience.

Andy Murray insists he will not underestimate Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon men's singles final, but believes he could benefit from the Canadian entering uncharted territory.

World number two Murray will play in his 11th grand slam final on Sunday, with either Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic having provided the opposition in each of the first 10.

Raonic, by contrast, is preparing for his maiden final at the highest level, having produced a stunning performance to defeat Federer in the last four.

"I hope that's an advantage," said Murray when asked if his experience of playing and winning slam finals could prove significant.

"When I played my first one [and suffered a straight-sets loss to Federer at the 2008 US Open], it all came round really quickly for me.

"I played the semi-final over two days against Rafa [Nadal]. Then I went straight into the final the following day. It just didn't feel like there was loads of time to sort of settle down and sort of prepare for it.

"You never know how anyone's going to deal with the pressures of a slam final. So I just have to go out there and concentrate on my side, do what I can to prepare well for it and see what happens."

Murray came from a set and a break down to beat Raonic in the final at Queen's a fortnight ago.

"Milos is a very tough opponent," the Briton added. "He's played very well on the grass this year and has earned his right to [play in] the final by beating one of the best, if not the best player, ever at this event. So he deserves to be there. 

"I never take it for granted. I know how difficult it is to make the finals of these events and how hard they are to win.

"It helps to have played a match against him on the grass. You know, see some of the things he's doing on this surface a little bit differently."

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