Pete Sampras believes Andy Murray is "on the verge" of becoming a dominant force in world tennis.

The former world No 1 says he expects the Scot to win his first grand-slam event next season as long as he can overcome his injury problems. Murray has been out of action since taking part in Britain's Davis Cup loss to Poland in Liverpool last month while carrying a wrist injury he sustained in his disappointing run at the US Open.

The 22-year-old has subsequently dropped from second to fourth in the world rankings with Novak Djokovic, who won the China Open earlier this month, climbing to third behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Sampras, who won his the first of his 14 grand-slam titles at the age of 19, believes Murray's first major victory is just around the corner.

"He plays a game that takes a lot of work on the body and I know he works hard off the court but I think if he is smart with his injuries and recovers and doesn't play and make them worse, he will be fine," Sampras said. "When it comes down to next year in Australia he will be fit and ready to go.

"Obviously he is trying to win his first major and he has come pretty close this year and he can taste it. He is in a fishbowl in the UK with all the expectations and pressure, it is not easy to deal with but he is a great player and he is on the verge of really being a dominant player.

"He is up there and he is in his early twenties so he has many years to improve and learn and he will break through and win a couple of majors."