Murray in mint condition for 2010

Andy Murray believes he enters 2010 primed to make the quantum leap from contender to champion and finally end Britain's 74-year drought in Grand Slam singles tennis.

The world No4 has fine-tuned his schedule to give himself every chance of success in the major events, starting with the Australian Open later this month, by opting out of Davis Cup duties for Great Britain, working on his net game and putting in the yards in training during the off-season.

"I've been working really hard for the past two or three years physically to make sure that I am strong enough," said Murray.

"Tennis-wise, I just need to play my best at the slams. Last year I thought did well, but a few things I could have done a bit better.

"This year is all about getting prepared for the slams, and making sure I am in the best shape going into them.

"If I feel good going into the tournaments, especially on the hard courts and the grass, I have got a pretty good chance of beating any of the guys and winning [the event], so I believe I can do well this year."

Murray is aware of criticism that he doesn't attack the net enough, but said he was continuing to work on his serve-and-volley game and noted that the challenge was to hone his tactics in a very unforgiving environment.

"I practice playing at the net a lot and have done for the past few years – it is more understanding when to come to the net and making sure you pick the right moments to come forward," said the 22-year-old Scot.

"It's very difficult now, because guys pass so well, move so well and hit the ball so hard that you have to pick the right moments.

"That is a tactical thing I have had to work on with my coach and hopefully it will pay off," he added.

Murray also defended his decision to sit out Great Britain's Davis Cup tie against Lithuania in March, saying it was time for younger British players to be given the chance to pick up the baton.

"I've played a lot of Davis Cup matches the past few years and enjoyed playing in them, but when I play and we lose I don't feel like it benefits the other [British] players that much," he said.

"It is a bit unfair to single me out for [missing the tie], [Roger] Federer has missed Davis Cup matches, Rafael [Nadal] has missed [them], [Novak] Djokovic has missed [them], [Pete] Sampras, [Andre] Agassi. A lot better players than me have missed Davis Cup matches."

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