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Murray Confident Wimbledon Within His Grasp
LONDON - Andy Murray said he was set on ending Britain's long wait for a Wimbledon men's singles champion by winning this year's title.
The world number four said Saturday he was focused on claiming the crown this time around, having made the 2009 semi-finals.
Britain has not had a men's singles winner since Fred Perry in 1936.
"Last year was the first year I had sort of a legitimate chance of winning the tournament, so it was good to have had that experience," Murray said.
"When I played in the past, there's obviously pressure on you to do well, but not necessarily win the event.
"Now that's where I feel like I'm at - trying to win the tournament.
"I want to look to try and win the tournament, it's my goal. That's the best way to go into it.
"But you have to stay focused on every round. There's no use looking ahead in the draw. It just doesn't work, doesn't help at all if you do that.
"I'll be very focused for my first match. If I play well, then I've got a chance to do well here."
Murray faces Jan Hajek of the Czech Republic in the first round and the Scot admits he knows little about his opponent.
But he insists the adrenaline will be pumping when he heads out on court.
"I'll be nervous probably the night before the match. And then when I get on the court, I'm sure I'll be nervous at the start," the 23-year-old said.
"But being nervous is one of the best things for a sports person. It shows that you care, that you're ready to play.
"I feel like I play my best tennis when I have the adrenaline, when I'm nervous. I hope, come Tuesday, I'm very nervous when I go on the court."
Murray was beaten by Switzerland's Roger Federer in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
Despite his exploits abroad, he said he loved playing at the All England Club.
"I enjoy it. It's great. Best two weeks of the year, for sure, from the atmosphere on court to just being at home. When you're playing a tournament when you're staying at home, it does make a huge, huge difference."
He said he had made improvements to his game since his run to the semis at Wimbledon last year.
"I became a better player. Got stronger, started serving harder, and more often I was hitting the ball harder more consistently, was playing better up at the net," Murray said.
"That's something that, after the Australian Open, I got away from a little bit, something that I'll look to do better here."
AFP
