Henman backs Murray's bid

Published on Wednesday 5 December 2007 11:52

TIM HENMAN believes Andy Murray can shoulder the pressure of playing three days in a row in Argentina despite describing Great Britain's first Davis Cup tie back in the elite World Group as "a tough task".

The 20-year-old Dunblane tennis star has inherited the unenviable task of carrying the nation's hopes following this year's retirement of 33-year-old Henman and 34-year-old Greg Rusedski. His first appearance as the senior member of a young team will come on clay in the intimidating atmosphere at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires in February.

"It isn't unwinnable but it's going to be very tough because they've got amazing strength in depth," said Henman.

While Argentina have 11 players in the world top 100 - including David Nalbandian, Guillermo Canas and Juan Ignacio Chela in the top 20 - Britain's second singles player is expected to be Alex Bogdanovic, 161st in the world, or Murray's fellow Scot Jamie Baker, ranked 227, with Murray's brother Jamie the doubles specialist.