Tim Henman: Andy Murray has what it takes to win today

First and foremost, my prediction is that Andy will win.

But if he does not win the title today, it is not the end of the world. His performance in the last two weeks has been phenomenal. I think the true perspective is: he’s the first finalist in 74 years and the way that he’s dealt with adversity, the tough draw, how resilient he’s been – it’s been incredible.

If he were to lose this afternoon, he’s losing to Roger Federer, the best player that’s ever lived. If people can’t accept that then that’s their problem. And I do think that the media and perspective don’t really go together. I think, given what I did, I can look at it in a slightly bigger picture. We all know that things get blown out of proportion and one minute he’s great and the next minute, his game has gone. It was only three weeks ago that he lost in the first round at Queen’s and it was all doom and gloom. But it’s a long year. There’s a lot of tennis to play. And, when you are that good, it’s like we say: performance is temporary but class is permanent. If he were to lose today, he is still going to win a grand slam. He’s that good. But it would be a great place to start with this one.

It’s a big summer for Andy, with the Olympics and the US Open still to come, but that is not what excites me about Andy’s chances: I’ve always been excited about his future.

Ivan Lendl has been working with him for six months but in terms of his tennis there has not been a huge difference. You’re not talking about changes to his game. It’s just those adjustments of playing the right style at the right time. But I think just mentally, he is stronger. The draw that he’s had has been tough, but against Ferrer in the quarter-finals – down a set and 5-4, that was, for me, the most critical moment of the tournament and he responded.

He’s earned his spot in the final and I think he likes the match-up. He likes playing Federer. With Federer’s experience, and his game-style on grass, it’s a very difficult match. But I think Andy, with his head-to-head record against Roger, and also the way his game matches up to Roger’s, I kind of believe that it’s meant to be. So it’s going to be very interesting to watch. And I think Andy will win.