Andy Murray believes he is playing his best tennis since a career-saving hip operation as he prepares to face old rival Grigor Dimitrov in the US Open second round.
Murray, 36, is one of six British players aiming to reach round three at Flushing Meadows on Thursday.
Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Jack Draper, Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage also play on day four of the tournament.
“I’m at my highest ranking (37) since I had my metal hip put in,” Murray said.
“I’m happy with that. It’s not been an easy journey. I would like to be ranked higher but this is the best I’ve played consistently since 2017.”
Murray has not faced 19th seed Dimitrov since 2016 and although the Scot has won eight of their 11 previous meetings, he lost their most high-profile match in the 2014 Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Bulgarian Dimitrov is also employing two coaches who spent long and successful spells working with Murray – Britain’s Jamie Delgado and Venezuelan Dani Vallverdu.
“I’ve played quite a lot of matches against ex-coaches – I think I’ve only lost once,” said the three-time major champion, who won his maiden Grand Slam title in New York in 2012.
“I mean, it probably should be a big advantage for him to have two guys that have worked with me over the years. But we’ll find out.”
Murray and Dimitrov open up Thursday’s action on Arthur Ashe Stadium at 17:00 BST.
Alcaraz practice aiding Norrie quest
