Murraymania Begins

After a remarkable victory last weekend - to become the first Briton in 71 years to win at Queens - it seems Murraymania has been kicked into overdrive, as Wimbledon rapidly approaches. If you rewind just a measly 12 months ago, the British number one was ranked out of the top ten in the world and had never been beyond the fourth round of any Grand Slam tournament. But, with less than a week to go until the only Grand Slam to be played on grass gets under way, the 22 year old’s fortune has rocketed.

Murray’s ever joyful face has been, and will continue to be, in every national newspaper on a daily basis, with the hysteria adding to the already over hyped Murraymania. The British press are doing what they do best, putting unnecessary pressure on out best hope before a major competition.

With confirmation that the number one seed, Rafael Nadal, will play no part in the English tournament, which he was dominant throughout last year. His exit is no real shock, as Nadal was also forced out of Queens with a similar knee injury, but it does mean that the World Number one will be the first champion not to defend his SW19 crown since Goran Ivanisevic skipped the competition in 2002.

Murray must see his chances increased after learning of Nadal’s exit and that Roger Federer will be in the second half of the tournament, meaning that the only time Murray can face the Swiss is in the final - what a final that would make.

We must recognise that even if Murray isn’t successful - we all hope that’s not the case - his game is ever improving and this time next year we could be talking about Murray breaking into the top two…and the year after? Seems I’ve been sucked into the Murraymania as well.