Murray's got a long way to go yet, warns Ivanisevic after Nadal exit opens up draw

By Sportsmail Reporter

Published: 08:24 EST, 29 June 2012 | Updated: 08:24 EST, 29 June 2012


Goran Ivanisevic has warned that the exit of Rafael Nadal does not mean Andy Murray is a shoo-in for the Wimbledon men's final.

British fourth seed Murray is the highest-ranked player left in the bottom of the draw, and will not have to face another semi-final against the man who has beaten him at that stage in each of the last two years after Nadal's shock defeat by Lukas Rosol on Thursday night.

Smiles better: Murray practices on his day off on Friday

Smiles better: Murray practices on his day off on Friday

Falling into place: Murray is now the highest ranked seed in the bottom half of the draw
Falling into place: Murray is now the highest ranked seed in the bottom half of the draw

Falling into place: Murray is now the highest ranked seed in the bottom half of the draw

Suddenly expectations of Murray are soaring, but his draw remains difficult with Marcos Baghdatis up next in the third round.

Ivanisevic, the 2001 champion, recognises the opportunity is there for the 25-year-old Scot to reach his first Wimbledon final.

Down and out: Nadal (left) was shocked by Lukas Rosol on Thursday night

Down and out: Nadal (left) was shocked by Lukas Rosol on Thursday night

But he also believes other players will sense an opportunity with the two-time champion out.

'Now a lot of things open for Andy but he has to be careful,' Ivanisevic told Live@Wimbledon.

'Everybody sees him in the final - you don't have Nadal so he's already in the final - but he has to take it match by match.

Warning: Ivanisevic (right) watches Murray's second-round win over Ivo Karlovic on Centre Court

Warning: Ivanisevic (right) watches Murray's second-round win over Ivo Karlovic on Centre Court

'He's a favourite in this bottom of the draw, but he has a lot of unbelievable players that can beat him.

'Croatian Marin Cilic is there, David Ferrer, so many guys.'

Brit of all right: Murray shares a joke with coach Ivan Lendl in practice on Friday

Brit of all right: Murray shares a joke with coach Ivan Lendl in practice on Friday

Ivanisevic is standing by his pre-tournament tip for the title, after predicting last year's champion would return to defend the trophy.

He added: 'Everybody is going to see his chance now with Nadal gone but I still think Novak Djokovic is going to win.'

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