Henman: Murray can do it

Former No.1 backing talented Scot to upset Nadal

Last updated: 2nd July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Former British No.1 Tim Henman believes Andy Murray can upset Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon on Wednesday - but only if the Scot gets his serve right.

Henman, who reached the semi-finals at SW19 on four occasions before retiring, knows that the world No.2 will start as the big favourite for the quarter-final clash against Murray.

Nadal is a four-time French Open champion, has reached the last two finals at Wimbledon and has beaten Murray in all three of their meetings.

The last clash between the duo came at the Masters Series in Hamburg this year and saw Nadal rack up a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory - albeit on the Spaniards favoured service of clay.

But Henman insists that Murray can turn the tables on Nadal.

"He has a chance, of course he has. But serving is going to be key," he said.

"He must make sure he is aggressive and get as many free points as he can.

"He needs to make sure he is not defensive on the return of serve. If he just pushes it back in the middle of the court then Nadal dominates with his forehand."

Henman has also been impressed with Murray's battling qualities - particularly in his five-set thriller against Richard Gasquet in the last round.

"His body language and his attitude have been the key to that because he has kept fighting all the time. The Gasquet match was a great one to turn around," he said.

"But his demeanour has been the biggest positive. He's been very composed and also he's working so hard."

Andy MurrayTale of the tapeRafael Nadal
21Age22
6ft 3inHeight6ft 1in
12st 7lbsWeight13st 6lbs
12Seeding2
£2,407,154Career earnings£17,987,823
0Grand Slams4
5ATP Tour titles28
Quarter-final (2008)Best WimbledonRunner-up (2006, 2007)
0Head-to-head3
0Red Cards0