Andy Murray lifts lid on sleeping secrets ahead of tantalizing US Open Berrettini clash

Andy Murray has revealed he sleeps to succeed in New York City, the city that normally never sleeps. And the 2012 champ believes his game is ready to put Matteo Berrettini and his big serve to bed in their Friday clash.

The Scotsman said he felt 'best in years' after reaching the third round here for the first time since 2016. Murray, 35, has since had two hip surgeries.

He said he lost weight in his face and upper body, but swelled up his legs "which is probably better for my hip." And after recalling he could barely walk after winning the first round here in 2020, the three-time Major winner said he learned to take care of his body by getting more rest.

"It's been three and a half years since the operation and my body is now used to all these movements," he said. "And I spend more time thinking about my sleep and making sure I go to bed earlier than when I was younger.

“It was no wonder when I was younger, after a game, to go to bed at 11:30 p.m. getting a few extra hours in bed and making sure I eat well. I really focus on that a lot too.”

Murray lost his last match to Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final in June after suffering an abdominal strain. The 2021 runner-up then missed Wimbledon due to Covid. The glamorous match promises to be a battle between the Italian heartthrob's booming serve and the returning Scotsman. And the world No. 51 dreams of his chances.

“I know things have changed, but I faced him in Beijing in the fourth singles tournament I entered after having hip surgery (in 2019) and I beat him” , Murray said. "I know he's gotten better since then. But he was still 13 in the world.

"So I know, if I'm playing well, I don't think it's an amazing game for him. He serves huge all the time. Normally at a pretty high percentage, but that's up to me as well. I can make that difficult for him. If I come back well and put pressure on a second serve.”

Berrettini, meanwhile, spoke of his excitement at facing Murray. "I think it inspires the will he has, the love he has for this sport," he said after beating Hugo Grenier in the second round. "I've always admired that.

"I mean, he had a crazy hip operation. Everyone saw it. It's not easy to come back, especially when he was like the world No. must have been very hard for him.

"I remember 2016, he played Paolo Lorenzi here. My brother, he played qualifiers here, juniors. He warmed Paolo up. I was like, 'Wow, you're playing next door' Andy', and now I'm playing him."