Roger Federer believes Andy Murray's Montreal Masters victory and rise to second in the world rankings will mean nothing if he fails to win the US Open.
The Swiss star, who currently sits atop the ATP standings despite losing in the quarter-finals in Canada last week, says the Scot must go one better than his appearance in the final in 2008 to satisfy his hunger for success.
'It comes down to the US Open for me,' he said.
'If Andy loses there after winning [the Montreal Masters], he'll be disappointed.'
Nevertheless, Federer was full of praise for his 22-year-old rival - 12 months younger than his other main rival and world number three Rafael Nadal - saying his rise up the rankings 'doesn't come as a surprise' ahead of this week's final US Open warm-up - the Cincinnati Masters.
'He announced himself when he won here last year,' Federer explained.
'He's had an unbelievable run, especially on the hard courts.
'Of course Andy and myself have benefitted from Rafa being injured but he's won some big matches and I fully expect him to be one for the future.'
Murray will face Nicolas Almagro from Spain in his first match in Cincinnati after the world number 33 benfitted from the withdrawal of opponent Dudi Sela from injury.
The Spaniard was winning 6-4 1-0 when the match was halted.
The Swiss star, who currently sits atop the ATP standings despite losing in the quarter-finals in Canada last week, says the Scot must go one better than his appearance in the final in 2008 to satisfy his hunger for success.
'It comes down to the US Open for me,' he said.
'If Andy loses there after winning [the Montreal Masters], he'll be disappointed.'
Nevertheless, Federer was full of praise for his 22-year-old rival - 12 months younger than his other main rival and world number three Rafael Nadal - saying his rise up the rankings 'doesn't come as a surprise' ahead of this week's final US Open warm-up - the Cincinnati Masters.
'He announced himself when he won here last year,' Federer explained.
'He's had an unbelievable run, especially on the hard courts.
'Of course Andy and myself have benefitted from Rafa being injured but he's won some big matches and I fully expect him to be one for the future.'
Murray will face Nicolas Almagro from Spain in his first match in Cincinnati after the world number 33 benfitted from the withdrawal of opponent Dudi Sela from injury.
The Spaniard was winning 6-4 1-0 when the match was halted.
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