• Wimbledon

Beat Nadal and you will win it - Henman

ESPN staff
July 2, 2010
Andy Murray lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2008 © Getty Images
Enlarge

You can follow every ball from SW19 with our live scorecentre, featuring in-play updates and commentary.

Former British No. 1 Tim Henman has told Andy Murray that he will win Wimbledon if he beats world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in their mouth-watering semi-final clash.

The 35-year-old, who reached four semi-finals at the All England Club during his 14-year career, watched on from the commentary box as the Scot recovered from losing the first set to dismantle France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and book his place in the last four.

Murray, who lost at the semi-final stage to Andy Roddick last year despite having a superior head-to-head record against the American, would be the first British male to reach the final at SW19 since Bunny Austin in 1938 if he overcomes Nadal, and Henman feels the 23-year-old would go onto become the first Brit to lift the men's singles crown since Sir Fred Perry in 1936 if he does so.

"For me the winner of this one probably goes on to win the tournament," Henman said. "What it comes down to is that there are four guys left in the tournament and Andy has as good a chance as any of them to win it."

Henman and Murray formed a strong friendship when the latter emerged on the circuit in 2005. Henman has regularly been on hand to offer advice to the world No. 4 but insists he has the team around him to guide him.

"We've spoken about everything over the years, but ultimately Andy has to handle it in his way and be himself," he said. "I wouldn't presume to offer advice because he has lots of other people around him but I will be sending him a text, as I often do."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices