A teen star comes of age in SW19

AS THE roars of the Wimbledon crowd died down, the question was being asked in his home town, across Scotland and all over the UK: just how far can Andrew Murray go?

For his growing army of fans, the outcome of the match was a defeat only in a short-term, technical sense. His nail-biting performance was a declaration of the great things to come.

Ahead for the 18-year-old from Dunblane, Perthshire, is a rosy future of on-court victories and off-court riches. Without doubt, Murray has emerged as Britain's best chance of clinching the famous Wimbledon title in years. Just around the corner is a bid for the US Open after winning the American junior title last year.

Yesterday, thousands gathered around the huge TV screens at Wimbledon to watch the youngster play. Sir Sean Connery was among those cheering him on from among the crowds.

Back in Murray's home town, the streets were all but deserted as residents stayed in to watch the match. Afterwards, some were in tears after watching their local hero's defeat, but they know he will return.

Murray's grandmother, Shirley Erskine, who could not be at Wimbledon because her husband Roy had undergone surgery to fit a pacemaker last week, said: "We are not at all disappointed. He has performed brilliantly throughout. Andy had a lot to recover from after his ankle injury and this was only his sixth outing on grass. I'm sure he will not be too upset, and will focus all his efforts on doing even better in the future."

The couple were left on tenterhooks about their grandson's performance after having to dash to a friend's golden wedding celebration party just before the match.

Shirley Erskine added: "It's been a nerve-wracking week. Andy has coped extremely well with all the attention and pressure. He is a very calm and composed young man. His mum has done a lot to shield and protect him. Of course he has been in the spotlight before, but nothing can compare with this. We are immensely proud."

Following the match, Murray's mother Judy also said she was proud of her son.

"It was a lovely experience," she said. "Sean Connery had sent a message saying he was coming to the match and telling him he had done brilliantly in the game against Radek Stepanek on Thursday. It was amazing."

She went on, like Connery, to call for more financial help to improve the fitness levels among young British tennis players. She felt her son's fitness had not been up to scratch and had contributed to his defeat. "He needs three things now: to get the right coach, the right environment and the right physical team," she said.

"He can do the tennis stuff. Physically, we need to make sure he can do it day in, day out."

Around Dunblane, residents were clearly proud of the former Dunblane High School pupil. In the High Street, pull-out posters bearing a smiling image of Murray were displayed in shop windows. Murray's favourite Indian restaurant, the India Gate, had even created a curry in his honour.

Lucy Green, 18, who was in the same year at school with Murray, said: "I'm heartbroken for him. He really deserved to go further.

"Maybe he wasn't quite strong enough for this yet. However, I'm sure he's got a bright future ahead."

James MacDonald, 53, who had watched with growing frustration at the Dunblane Hotel, added: "He played brilliantly to begin with and it was really disappointing to see he couldn't keep going. We were all right behind him and I was shouting him on all the way."

Murray has now been given the same odds as Tim Henman, at 40/1, to clinch the Wimbledon title next year. He has also been put at 7/1 to win the tournament by 2010.

Murray's opponent David Nalbandian said the youngster would improve with further experience.

"He's too young," said Nalbandian. "I'm not the right person to tell you, but I think he lost this match due to physical problems."

Tennis legend Jimmy Connors, twice former Wimbledon champion, said Murray would take "so many valuable lessons from playing this match that his head will be spinning.

"His game is there. His game is tremendous. He has power, finesse and a very good first serve, but he could do with a little bit more time on court."

Former British Davis Cup player John Lloyd added: "He has a great mind and a great attitude."

Murray's meteoric rise on to the world's sporting stage has even helped to spark a tennis revival in Scotland.

Private clubs have reported a surge in business throughout the week as Murray progressed through the tournament.

Andy McGloughlin, of the David Lloyd tennis and racquet club in Edinburgh, said: "Around 20% of our members play tennis and inquiries have definitely increased since Wimbledon started."

Stuart Cosgrove, Channel 4's director of nations and regions and noted commentator on Scottish culture, said the teenage tennis sensation had boosted national morale.

He said: "I travelled up on the [Heathrow to Glasgow] shuttle on Thursday night and it felt like Scotland was coming home from a World Cup win.

"He's a breath of fresh air for British sport. Henman has been a bit of a lame, middle-of-the-road character but Murray has got real spirit about him."

Senior figures at governing body Tennis Scotland admit facilities and interest in the game have been lacking in the past but hope that with a homegrown star now firmly on the international stage the situation will improve.

A new 1.3m national tennis centre will open next year at Stirling University. Some 10,000 juniors are already playing the game, but Mat Holbent, director of development, yesterday said he expects further growth.

He said: "Andy has never forgotten his roots and is a fantastic role model for Scottish children. He has propelled interest in the game to a new level. We expect that to just keep rolling."

Murray too is about to reap the rewards of all the hard work put in by himself and his mother Judy, who nurtured his potential as Scotland's head tennis coach.

His agent, Sian Masterton, yesterday confirmed she is in talks with three undisclosed companies all seeking his endorsement.

She said: "He has the potential to be among the top 10 players in the world and earn the kind of money they receive.

"I cannot discuss figures or names, but certainly the future possibility is there for millions. He is only 18 and has a long way to go. Once the championship is over we will sit down and look at all the options."

VOLLEY OF ADVICE

TIM HENMAN's advice to Murray on handling the pressure of being a British favourite: "It's something he will have to accept and deal with. He can't pay too much attention to it. It's important you are strong in your mind and know what you believe in. I think he has a fantastic future."

French Open champion, Spaniard RAFAEL NADAL: "I have a good relationship with him. I've known Andy four or five years in juniors competitions. But, yeah, he's playing good. Every player can improve, and if he improves, for sure he can get in the top 10."

BORIS BECKER talking after he watched Murray beat Radek Stepanek: "This guy really impressed me throughout the match. He came on to the court so concentrated right from the start and he kept that up with no lapses at any point in the match. It's like he's a real pro. He's beginning to look as though he owns the court."

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA, the women's world No 5, who trains with Murray in Barcelona: "I talk to him sometimes, he's a great kid. I'm pretty sure he will be a great player because he just has a huge talent. He is very mature and I can compare him to Roger Federer a little bit because he has great hands and great talent. There are some players you can just see something different in. Some players have to work hard for that but Andrew has it already."