UK NEWS

MURRAY: ROAR ME TO VICTORY

CONFIDENT: Andy Murray

Wednesday July 2,2008

By David Pilditch

ANDY MURRAY last night urged the nation to roar him on to victory in his biggest test today.

He revealed that the Centre Court crowd had inspired him like never before in one of the most remarkable fightbacks in Wimbledon’s history.

Murray was stunned to discover that 10.5 million viewers tuned in to watch his comeback over Richard Gasquet unfold late into Monday evening. It was one of the biggest audiences for a Wimbledon match.

He triumphed after being two sets down and with the French eighth seed on the verge of victory in the third set. But today he faces a quarter final showdown with world number two Rafael Nadal.

Murray, 21, said: “The crowd really lifted me when I was trailing and the roar when I went ahead was amazing. It gave me so much confidence. I can’t thank them enough.

“I’ve never experienced the effect of the crowd in that way anywhere in the world before. If the Centre Court crowd get behind me and help me to play my best tennis, I believe I have a great chance.

“I’ve had time to recover and I was happy to wake up and find it wasn’t just a dream.”

Until now Murray has had a reputation as a dour Scot who, while undoubtedly talented, has failed to capture the public imagination.

Tim Henman once dubbed him “a miserable git”.

But yesterday the All England Club was gripped by Murray fever. Hundreds of fans gathered on Murray Mount, formerly known as Henman Hill, where the match was replayed on the giant video screen.

Now Murray can land a £100million fortune – if he wins the big one. He believes that he can go all the way.

And experts estimate he could land undreamed of riches through winnings, sponsorship deals and endorsements – as Wimbledon champion.

Public relations guru Max Clifford said: “Tim Henman did well at Wimbledon but he was never a superstar. Andy had the potential to become one.

“He could be the Wayne Rooney of tennis but he really needs to crack the big one and win Wimbledon.”

Touts have been cashing in on his success with pairs of Centre Court tickets for today being sold for up to £2,500 on the internet.

Many are being sold illegally and Wimbledon officials warned that anyone caught trying to use them would be barred from the grounds.

eBay said: “Tickets to the next Murray match are like gold dust. Anyone selling on our site must specify the face value so bidders are aware of the original price.” Eric Baker, of ticket exchange Viagogo, said: “We have seen tickets trading for £2,000. This has been the hottest ticket we have ever seen for Wimbledon and it’s not even the final.

“It’s only going to be topped if Murray beats Nadal. It has been a long time since a Briton has come along looking like a winner.”

By 4pm yesterday more than 200 people had joined the Wimbledon queue to get their hands on a ticket.

The clash is expected to beat betting records for a tennis match with bookies predicting that £10million could be wagered.

Nadal is favourite but the odds about Murray winning the tournament have been reduced to 12-1.

His mother Judy, a former Scottish national coach, said: “Nadal is probably the most physical player out there. It’s going to be tough for Andy but with the crowd behind him, it’s going to be a cracker of a match.”

And she said Andy has already coped with one drama – after his puppy Maggie was stung by a wasp and needed emergency treatment.