US Open 2016: Andy Murray reckons he will only be able to compete in top level tennis for four more years

MAKE the most of Andy Murray while you can.

The British No 1 reckons he can keep playing top-flight tennis for four more years,  maximum.

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Murray, 29, starts his bid for a second US Open title tonight but fears time is bound to start catching up with him soon.

He  said: “I’d imagine playing at this level for three, four more years, max . . . if I’m lucky.

“I hope I’m still playing like this when I’m 38 . . . but it’s pretty unlikely.

“I’m actually using that as a positive — you have to make the most of every opportunity. It’s a slightly different mentality to when you’re younger and you feel like you have a bit more time on your side.

“I want to make the most of every tournament I play and try to  achieve as much as I can the next few years.”

Injuries to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal increase Murray’s chances of adding to his Wimbledon title and Olympic gold medal this year.

But it also opens up the possibility of someone breaking through — as Marin Cilic did here two years ago to win his first Grand Slam title.

Murray added: “We have all been up at the top ten in the world for a long time . . . me and Novak — and Roger and Rafa even longer than that.

“It’s normal there would be more wear and tear on the body and you pick up a few more injuries as you go on in your career.

“When everyone is fit and healthy, they are capable of winning these major events.

“But if there are injuries and stuff, it gives other guys the chance to win.

“That’s going to happen over the next few years, for sure, because I can’t go forever.”

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Murray faces Lukas Rosol in the first round — and the  6ft 5in Czech revealed there has been some locker-room banter with Murray’s coach, Ivan Lendl. World No 81 Rosol, 31, said: “He was a legend and we already make some fun in the locker room.

“We just had a nice conversation, everybody just trying to have some fun from each other.

“About everything, about the match too.

“He said he was sleeping last time when Andy played, he said he will not sleep this time, I said not against me for sure.”

Rosol is likely to go for his shots knowing he cannot out-run or out-last Murray.

Only time, in the end, will do that.

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