Published: Wednesday, 25th June, 2008 09:00
Murray backed after Boodles
By Ben Page
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Tennis
NICOLAS Kiefer says Andy Murray needs to turn the expectations of the British public into a positive at Wimbledon this week.
The former German number one, who reached the Wimbledon quarter finals in 1997 and is finding form on grass again after winning the Boodles Challenge on Saturday, says Murray is capable of winning the coveted title, if he handles the pressure in the right way.
“I think everybody has a chance,” Kiefer said. “I think there is more expectation for him. And you can see over the last 10 to 15 years what happened with Tim Henman.
“But in Germany I like playing in front of my home crowd. This atmosphere can also push you. You have to take the positives.”
However, despite many feeling Roger Federer is more vulnerable this year, Kiefer backs the world number one to win his sixth successive title.
The German experienced first-hand the form of Federer after losing to him in the semi-final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, two weeks ago.
“You have to name Roger,” Kiefer said. “I played him in Halle and saw how he is playing. I think he’s fairly comfortable and his goal is to win here again. If I would pick somebody I would take Roger.”
And Murray certainly did handle the Centre Court crowd in style on Tuesday evening when he beat fabrice Santoro in straight sets in the first round.
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