Home hope Murray is dressed to impress at Wimbledon

YOU know you've made it at Wimbledon when they start talking about your clothes as much as your tennis.

FASHION SENSE: Andy Murray shows off his look for next week's Wimbledon - inspired and designed by Fred Perry, the last British All England Club winner (onEdition)

And although Andy Murray might not be as easy on the eye as Maria Sharapova, he's doing his best to be as well turned out.

After becoming the first man to win at Queen's Club in 71 years, the British number one has gone back further to the Roaring Twenties for inspiration, as he unveiled his look for the All England Club next week.

He's not only trying to emulate Fred Perry - the last British Wimbledon winner in 1936 - but he's seemingly raided his wardrobe as well.

Cricketers might have ditched their cable knit jumpers for clima-cool tops but Murray is striking back and thumbing his nose to the fashion police.

Previously only Roger Federer had the audacity to wear monogrammed kit - Murray, as befits his ever-improving status, has now followed suit.

FORM PLAYER: Andy Murray won last week's AEGON Championship at Queen's Club - becoming the first home winner since Bunny Austin 71 years ago (Getty Images)

But who wins the sartorial battle is of little consequence to the world number three.

Murray revealed he planned for a relaxing week as the countdown to next week's Championships gathered momentum.

He celebrated his AEGON Championships win with a curry and no beers and plans a go-karting trip with friends, a belated gift from last month's 22nd birthday.

In between he'll be working out on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon's practice courts at Aorangi Park and doing his best to avoid the media glare - not that easy as he blinked into a sea of flashbulbs and he swayed nervously down the catwalk yesterday.

"I had a night out last night to celebrate Queen's but it was still pretty early to bed," he said.

"Practice starts on Tuesday and I'll be spending my time on the courts or in the gym.

"At the moment there isn't much point playing any exhibitions because I've played five days in a row at Queen's.

"If I feel a little stale in practice that is something I might revisit but it's not in any immediate plans."

Henmania, a summer condition more irritating than hayfever, is thankfully now thing of the past but hopefully Murray Mania isn't quite so deadly.

The British number one knows the nation expects him to do his duty and is resigned to the hype.

However, he insists the weight of pressure, desperate to be vented after so many years of underachievement, won't drag him down.

"A lot of people, not Tim Henman or Greg Rusedski, but ex-players use it as an excuse as to why someone British has not won Wimbledon for so long," he said.

"But I don't think it makes any difference once the tournament starts.

"The build-up beforehand is a little bit more stressful than other tournaments, but once it starts, it's like all the other slams and you get great support in every one of your matches.

"Everyone wants you to win and that is a huge help.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself and I expect a lot from myself in the big tournaments and that helps me to play better."

When Murray flexed his muscles like Popeye at last year's Championships, there were more no than a few sniggers.

But no-one is laughing anymore.

"The physical side has made a huge difference to the mental side of my game," he added.

"When I was younger and not in this shape, you go into matches with doubts. When you spend a lot of time in the gym and are suffering off the court, it makes the tennis matches seem a lot easier.

"Now I can go in with a clear head, no excuses or doubts in the back of my mind."

Dressed to impress with a body to match - the stage couldn't be better set.

 Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grass roots to world class tennis events. For tickets and further information visit www.lta.org.uk 

JAMES TONEY