Henman backs Andy Murray to clinch Wimbledon crown

Andy Murray can capitalise on “the form of his life” to claim a second Wimbledon title in three years, according to Tim Henman.
Andy Murray has built winning momentum in recent weeks, claiming titles on clay and grass and reaching the French Open semis. Picture: PAAndy Murray has built winning momentum in recent weeks, claiming titles on clay and grass and reaching the French Open semis. Picture: PA
Andy Murray has built winning momentum in recent weeks, claiming titles on clay and grass and reaching the French Open semis. Picture: PA

Former world No 4 Henman has tipped fellow Brit Murray to add to his 2013 crown, after winning a fourth Queen’s Club title and reaching the French Open semi-finals.

World No 3 Murray is also the third seed for today’s 
Wimbledon draw, and could end up with Rafael Nadal in his half.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 14-time major champion has dropped to tenth in the world rankings, and could meet any of the top four seeds as early as the quarter-finals. “This first six months of the year is as good as I’ve ever seen him [Murray] play,” said Henman.

Andy Murray has built winning momentum in recent weeks, claiming titles on clay and grass and reaching the French Open semis. Picture: PAAndy Murray has built winning momentum in recent weeks, claiming titles on clay and grass and reaching the French Open semis. Picture: PA
Andy Murray has built winning momentum in recent weeks, claiming titles on clay and grass and reaching the French Open semis. Picture: PA

“He’s in the form of his life and is definitely in the best shape to fight for the Wimbledon title again.

“He’s won everything before on grass, so he will really fancy his chances.”

World No 1 Novak Djokovic is the top seed for today’s draw, while Roger Federer, still chasing that record eighth singles title at Wimbledon, is second.

New French Open champion Stan Wawrinka completes the men’s top four, with 2014 Queen’s winner Grigor Dimitrov seeded 11th.

Murray became the first British men’s singles champion for 77 years with his 2013 triumph at SW19, and now Henman 
believes the 28-year-old is ready to do it all over again.

Sweden’s Jonas Bjorkman and former French Open champion Amelie Mauresmo have added variety to Murray’s play, and the Scot is now fully recovered from nagging back problems.

The after-effects of back 
trouble held Murray back last season, leading to a frustrating quarter-final exit at the hands of Bulgaria’s Dimitrov at Wimbledon. Now, though, Henman believes that Murray has built up the right amount of confidence through winning momentum to provide a serious Wimbledon title challenge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“His form was really emphasised by his performances and results on clay, which is still the toughest surface for him,” said Henman, speaking to launch the Great Robinsons Ball Hunt. “Winning in Munich, winning in Madrid, beating Nadal in the final of a Masters Series, the way he played reaching the semis of the French, that’s a great foundation moving forward.”

“That all really makes a difference,” added Henman. “Andy will be going on to the court feeling that if he does all the right things, as he has been, then he will have a great chance against anybody.”

l To celebrate 80 years in partnership with Wimbledon Robinsons is launching the Great Robinsons Ball Hunt.

Follow @DrinkRobinsons on twitter for clues from Tim Henman to find giant tennis balls hidden across the UK. Tweet a picture of one of the balls to @DrinkRobinsons using #HuntForWimbledon to be in with a chance of winning prizes from jumbo tennis kits to VIP days out at Wimbledon.