Andy Murray owns property in two of the most exclusive cities in the world, he is the fourth-best player on the planet, he is within striking distance of qualification for the Masters Cup and he wants to go home and walk his dog, admitting that he had to be “boring for a few weeks to be professional and do the right things”. Carry on, boring young Murray.

When you are three sets away from becoming a grand-slam tournament champion for the first time, life takes on a different hue and the British No 1 is never going to be content with being remembered as a player who lost to Roger Federer in the US Open final.

“I know how hard I've worked to get to this stage but I also know how much harder I am going to have to work if I want to win one of these tournaments,” Murray, 21, said. “I was keen not to get involved in any of the stuff that surrounds doing well in a big tournament. I haven't turned my computer on, I've got a new phone so very few people know my number. My focus has simply been doing what's right for my tennis. I don't know what the reaction has been at home, but I'm sure I'll find out when I get back.”

Murray has just purchased an apartment in Miami, Florida, which he spent a week after Wimbledon decorating with Kim Sears, his girlfriend. He also has a place in Wandsworth, southwest London, his home from home when he is training. That element will come first in the next couple of weeks, as the focus shifts to the Davis Cup tie against Austria on No1 Court at Wimbledon from Friday week. “If you get the training right, prepare properly, the rest will take care of itself,” he said.