..... As for Murray, the progress he's made in the last six months is so glaringly obvious that there's no need for the mood to be anything other than upbeat. A first Wimbledon final, Olympic Gold, a first US Open title and a third Australian Final is a fine return for six months work. What amazing things he is doing! The abuse he continues to receive (in thankfully ever diminishing circles) sounds more and more embarrassing and misplaced.Sitting in the press conference chair in the early hours of Monday, he judged this mood perfectly. Disappointed, for sure, but not despondent. Sometimes, on these occasions, we need to tip-toe around with our microphones, not really knowing what to say, but this was different.He takes heart from Melbourne with a five set semi-final success over Federer, his first win over the Swiss Master at a Grand Slam, his immediate, positive response to losing the two tiebreaks in that match, and the fact he felt comfortable and relaxed on the big occasion - blatantly not the case in the past.Most international analysts suggest that Murray is now the second best player in the world. The rankings don't show it yet but it's surely only a matter of time before they do.
