Seven-time major champion Mats Wilander is urging Andy Murray to keep a cool head when he plays unpredictable Australian Nick Kyrgios in the US Open first round on Tuesday.
After their pair’s most recent meeting in the French Open third round, which saw Kyrgios defeated in straight sets, Murray took to social media to apologise for his colourful language, which had caused some television viewers to complain.
Murray is gunning for his third grand slam title and he arrives in good form after overcoming Novak Djokovic in Montreal this month to end a run of eight straight defeats against the world number one.
It means Murray remains firm favourite to see off the challenge of Kyrgios, but Wilander believes question marks remain over the Scot’s body language.
“When you can beat Novak Djokovic in the final of a Masters tournament, you are going to be okay,” Wilander said.
“Jonas Bjorkman is going to help Andy a lot, Amelie Mauresmo has already helped him a lot, and I think Andy is going to win another grand slam title, or even two or three.
“His body language is getting better all the time, he seems happier, and I think he showed at Wimbledon that he’s a different person now.
“He’ll always have a fight with himself in terms of body language, on the outside, but on the inside I think it seems that he is calmer, more relaxed.
“It’s always a work in progress, just like anybody’s weakness. It’s always a work in progress, and Andy’s weakness is his body language.”
For perhaps the first time in his career, Murray has been less conspicuous than his first-round opponent, with Kyrgios still fighting off criticism for vulgar remarks made towards Stan Wawrinka three weeks ago.
Kyrgios is yet to take a set off Murray in three attempts but the 20-year-old has form for upsetting big names after victories over Federer and, most famously, Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last year.
A shock win over Murray would put Kyrgios on course for a mouthwatering reunion with Wawrinka in the quarter-finals, but Wilander believes it is too soon for the Australian to contend for a major title.
“There’s a chance that Nick Kyrgios could raise his game very quickly,” Wilander added.
“But at the same time, no I don’t really see there being a surprise.
“Djokovic is too good, I think Federer is there and I think Andy Murray will pick up if Djokovic or Federer loses.
“Murray will be right there, and then there’s also Stan Wawrinka who has a chance so it’s very difficult to say that there is a chance for an upset.”
Murray leads five Britons playing first-round matches as Aljaz Bedene and James Ward are in action in the men’s draw while Laura Robson and Johanna Konta get under way in the women’s.
Murray’s night match is expected to start in the early hours of Wednesday UK time.