This may be a classic temptation of fate but Andy Murray is finally looking like he could win a grand slam tennis title soon, which would be the first by any Brit for decades.
After reaching the UK Open final and winning two Masters tournaments this year, he’s propelled himself past the achievements of Tim Henman, the only world-class player the UK has had since the 1970s. And he looks as if he feels comfortable in the world top four.
Comparisons with Henman illustrate Murray’s superiority. Henman, who didn’t deserve all the flak he received from the over-expectant British media, was a very good but limited player.
He possessed a classic serve and volley game and a great backhand. But he never had Murray’s power nor anything like the Scotsman’s variety of shot and tactical awareness. Henman had no Plan B whereas Murray used to get into trouble sometimes by trying plans B, C and D in a single set.
Above all, deep down Murray wants it more than Henman ever did. Like the Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe of old, he doesn’t care whether anyone likes him. He will glower, swear and scrap until he wins. Apart from the genes, it must be the difference between English Home Counties and Scottish Midlands.