Henman backs Murray to achieve what he never could

TIM Henman is backing his successor Andy Murray to achieve what he never could - and be crowned Wimbledon tennis champion.

BRITISH BACKER: Andy Murray is the best challenger to Roger Federer at Wimbledon, according to four-time beaten semi-finalist Tim Henman

Henman reached six Grand Slam semi-finals during his illustrious career, including four in five years at the All England Club between 1998 and 2002.

And after watching Murray become the first British man to win at Queen's Club in 71 years, Henman is backing the fiery Scot to emulate Fred Perry and be the first home Wimbledon winner in the men's singles since 1936.

With Rafael Nadal struggling with injury and French Open winner Roger Federer complaining of fatigue - Henman is convinced Murray is in pole position to lift the title at Wimbledon.

"There's every possibility he could win it with the way his game is developing," said Henman, an ambassador for HSBC, who are running a public vote to find the greatest Wimbledon champion of all time.

"I can't see a winner outside the top three in the world at Wimbledon and he has really closed the gap recently.

"He has matured as a person and he understands the pressure and the media expectations.

"His performance at Queens was just exceptional. It was almost a routine and he didn't drop a set and that gives him a great platform going into Wimbledon."

Henman admits he is surprised at the way Murray has matured in the last 12 months - and claims his successor as British number one is still two or three years away from his peak.

"He has developed enormously over the last year and I have just been surprised how quickly it has happened," added Henman.

"I think his record in the last 12 months is very impressive, three Masters 1000 wins, a Grand Slam final and I think three other tournament victories just shows what fantastic tennis he has played.

"The confidence that he has gained means he is more relaxed on and off the court and physically he's got better and better.

"So when you put all those pieces of the puzzle together you have got a pretty good player.

"I think before when you looked at his style of play he was more of a counterpuncher.  His opponents were dictating the style of play and Andy was using his athletic ability to stay in it.

"Whereas now he is probably got tired of running around so much and has decided to make his opponents do a bit more.

"When you have got the technical game that he has got you have got the ability to be more aggressive and attack and take the ball on."

 

 * 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