Murraymania? But it's months to Wimbledon

Published on Tuesday 26 January 2010 21:50

ANDY Murray yesterday became the favourite to win a grand slam for the first time after some career-best tennis powered him into the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The 22-year-old Scot's odds of triumphing in Melbourne were slashed to 6/4 after an imperious victory over the defending champion Rafael Nadal. The world No 1, Roger Federer, is now second favourite at 7/4.

Murray's defeat of world No 2 Nadal has rekindled "Murraymania", which does not normally spark into life until Wimbledon.

Workers arrived late or were distracted by the match, with the BBC today expected to announce Murray's biggest viewing audience for the tournament.

The British No 1 and fifth seed was leading by two sets and 3-0 in the third when Nadal retired because of injury.

Commentators said Murray produced the best tennis of his career as he twice fought back from service breaks in the opening two sets.

Murray will now meet Marin Cilic, seeded 14th, in the semi- finals. The Croat beat him last year, but Murray said he was determined to even the score.

He said: "I lost to him the US Open in straight sets, so I'm looking for a little revenge. If I play like I did tonight I've got a good chance – but the nerves will be there with it being the semi-final of a grand slam."

Success against Cilic would put Murray in a grand slam final for only the second time, after he lost to Federer in the 2008 US Open. A British man has not won a grand slam for 74 years.

Shirley Erskine, Murray's maternal grandmother, said victory would take the strain off him at Wimbledon. She said: "It would be good if he can win in Australia because the pressure is really on at Wimbledon."

Bookmaker William Hill said Murray was attracting growing respect across the UK. He was 14/1 to win without dropping a set.

Spokesman Graham Sharpe said: "Murraymania is beginning to kick in and we are looking at a hefty six figure payout should he break his slam-duck in this event. The fact he is now favourite is quite a tribute since Roger Federer (now 7/4 to win] is still in the tournament.

"Murray has come so far without dropping a set and you could argue he virtually forced Nadal's retirement – to get one of the superstars of the game to pull out is a tribute to his playing.

"The British public seems to be forgiving him for his past non-England football support.

"The English now want Andy Murray to do well, and he is definitely maturing and is modest in victory."

Mr Sharpe added: "This is reflected in the amount of money being bet on him and you know when someone is doing something right, when the bookmakers start getting worried."

Ladbrokes is also offering 6/4 for Murray to win. Spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Punters are flocking to the British ace after one of his most impressive slam performances to date."

Coral spokesman Gary Burton, which is offering 11/8 odds on a Murray victory, said: "Murray has to beat Cilic first, but with Federer still to play his quarter-final, he is looking on course for a first grand slam win, and it's not looking good for our hefty liabilities."

After yesterday's match, Nadal also tipped Murray for victory.

He said: "Andy played really well. I think he's at an unbelievable level.

"Andy deserves to win his first grand slam and I think he gonna win it."

In turn, Murray paid tribute to his hero. He said: "I've known Rafael since I was maybe 13 or 14 and always looked up to him.

"He's my favourite player to watch because of his energy and what he brings to the court. I'm a bit gutted for him."

First Minister Alex Salmond congratulated Murray on his progress.

He said: "This was another terrific performance from Andy, who has proved his outstanding talent right the way through this tournament and is getting better with each passing round.

"He now has a great chance of reaching the Australian Open final, and the whole of Scotland will be cheering him on."

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