Andy Murray tipped to win US Open by Ivanisevic and Wilander

Two former Grand Slam winners have tipped Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray to win the US Open.

The Scot, 25, is a defeated finalist in three of the four Grand Slams, including at Flushing Meadows in 2008.

But 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic and 1988 US Open champion Mats Wilander both back Murray for success in New York.

"The US Open is his best surface so I think he will do it," Ivanisevic said ahead of the first match on 27 August.

"If Andy plays well, he can win."

Ivanisevic, a dangerous left-hander with a fast serve during his playing days, reached the semi-final of the US Open in 1996 before succumbing in four sets to eventual winner Pete Sampras.

The 40-year-old Croat, who also won two Olympics bronze medals in 1992, believes Murray's success at the 2012 Games in London should prove a boost.

"He played a really great Olympic Games and I think this will give him extra motivation and confidence," Ivanisevic said.

"I would really like to see him win it - he deserves it."

Wilander, 47, won seven Grand Slam singles titles between 1982 and 1988, including success at the US Open in which he defeated Ivan Lendl in five sets to top the world rankings.

He too predicted success for Murray at Flushing Meadows, and pointed to the influence of his old adversary Lendl as the Scot's coach.

"Ivan Lendl has helped [Murray] tremendously," Wilander said.

"He's becoming better physically all the time, he hits his forehand better, but the biggest difference is emotionally.

"He's more even-keeled, he's more positive and there's not as much pressure for him at the US Open as there is at Wimbledon.

"My prediction is Andy Murray winning in the finals against either Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer."

Both Wilander and Ivanisevic now play on the seniors' tour and are participating in the Statoil Masters Tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall in London from 5-9 December.