Murray feels in mint condition for title bid
BRITISH No1 Andy Murray insists he has grown up tremendously this year and has never been better prepared to deliver the Wimbledon success that he and this country crave.
The Scot takes superb form into today’s first-round match against Spain’s Daniel Gimeno-Traver, having begun the grass-court season in perfect fashion by winning the AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club last week.
That followed the most encouraging spell on clay of Murray’s career, the 24-year-old reaching the semi-finals of the French Open earlier this month despite an ankle problem, and losing only to eventual winner Rafael Nadal.
It’s a far cry from the woeful slump that followed his defeat in January’s Australian Open final, a period that prompted the fourth seed to split from his coach and reassess other elements of his approach.
Murray’s markedly improved demeanour is testament to his happier mental state, and Dunblane’s most famous son feels at ease as he looks to claim his first grand slam and end Britain’s 75-year wait for a major men’s singles title.
“I’ve learned a lot, especially in the last few months, about my game, my mindset and where I’m at and what I’m going to need to do,” said Murray.
“It’s an exciting time for me and I’m much more professional than I ever was in the build-up to this Wimbledon. I’m taking things like my diet very, very seriously, my training is more specific than it’s ever been. The on-court stuff, I feel just like I’m in a better place.
“When I’m on the practice court I’m enjoying it a lot, having fun but working hard, and I just feel I understand better now how to approach matches in big tournaments and taking a lot more responsibility.”
World No56 Gimeno-Traver is not expected to pose too many difficulties for Murray and only the top three seeds, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, ought to daunt him. But Murray believes he is closing the gap on that illustrious trio.
“I was definitely not nearer them before the clay-court stretch but I felt like I played well and that’s given me a chance,” he added.
OUTSIDE COURT | WEATHER, GOSSIP AND TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
WEATHER WAGERS
Come rain or shine, enterprising bookies will always be open for business. With showers forecast today, William Hill is offering 3-1 about Wimbledon running into a third week and 10-1 that downpours stop play every day – that’s the same odds available for women’s top seed Caroline Wozniacki to win.
FINAL SEATS? THAT’S £11K
Want a ticket for the men’s singles final? Of course you do. The question is: have you got £11,299 burning a hole in your pocket? That’s how much some sought-after Debenture seats for the match are priced at on ticket exchange website Seatwave. Expect that figure to rise if Andy Murray gets within sniffing distance of the trophy.
WHAT TO WATCH
Murray is third up on Centre Court, where play begins at 1pm regardless of rain, thanks to the roof. Rafael Nadal faces Michael Russell first, before Francesca Schiavone meets Jelena Dokic.