Roger Federer taunts rival Andy Murray

FOR 50 weeks a year, Roger Federer is the most accomplished and polished diplomat in world tennis.

But once Federer sets foot on the All England Club's manicured lawns and somebody mentions Andy Murray's name, the Swiss' soft-shoe shuffle is replaced by a hobnail boot.

Fed simply cannot resist a dig at Murray now the Brit has shown he has the beating of the top seed.

Every Murray victory is followed by a snide comment or a bitter remark as Federer struggles to accept the fact that even without Rafa Nadal's towering presence, he has a true Wimbledon rival. On the eve of the tournament, Federer was true to form - not missing an opportunity to belittle the No.2 seed.

And as much as he tried to sugar-coat the pill, there was no disguising Federer's criticism. He said: "Andy's a very gifted player with a wonderful feel and a great tactician, I've always said that.

"He's finally proved it but it took some time - that was the disappointing part. I thought it took him longer than I expected. So I was wrong with my prediction because I expected him to do better a few years ago."

No sniping, though, has ever sounded sweeter for 22-year-old Murray. He took Federer to task after beating him in Dubai last year, refuting the Swiss maestro's criticism of his game and putting down a marker of his own.

Now, just 48 hours before beginning his assault on Wimbledon, the Scot must know he may not have Federer rattled but certainly looking over his shoulder.

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Murray has to wait until Tuesday when he faces American Robert Kendrick on Centre Court. And there is a growing belief the Scot is better equipped than ever to win his first Grand Slam.

But Murray is also quick to insist the absence of defending champion Nadal from his half of the draw is not a guarantee that he will be facing five-time winner Federer in the final on July 5.

The Brit said: "I feel like I'm better equipped to win a Grand Slam this year than I was last year. I think I have a chance of winning but I understand how difficult that is to do.

"It's very easy to say 'Oh, Rafa's not playing, Andy's got a much easier route to the final'. I don't view it like that at all.

"I would have to win five matches before we met in the semis so I wasn't thinking about playing Nadal at all.

BULKED UP - Andy Murray

"I feel like I've got a chance but I'll have to play great to do it. I'd love to win here. I enjoy playing on grass, I love playing at Wimbledon."

And he might have a famous friend along to cheer him on - David Beckham. Murray was accused of being anti-English when a joke about him supporting whoever Becks and Co were playing at the 2006 World Cup backfired.

But now he wants his new stablemate to lead the Centre Court support. Murray has linked up with probably the most famous face in sport through their management company.

Simon Fuller runs 19 Entertainment, famous for the Spice Girls, Pop Idol and American Idol. Murray said: "Simon and his company have been awesome and put me in touch with David. I met him a few months ago. He is a great footballer and a real pro. He's done a great job with his career.

"I have been talking to the 19 guys about getting David to come to Wimbledon. It would be nice if he could come and watch. We'll have to wait and see."

Murray hopes Becks will cheering alongside an English crowd fully back onside. His attempt at humour three years ago provoked an avalanche of bitter comments.

One said: "If Andy Murray hates the English that much, we all hope he crashes out of Wimbledon very quickly with a very bad injury that will ruin his career."

Important

There were even T-shirts printed at the 2006 Championships which proclaimed support for "Anyone but Murray".

Murray now admits just how important the fans will be if he wants to lift the most famous tennis trophy in two weeks' time.

It is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Fred Perry, the last Brit to do it - and that was 73 years ago.

Murray said: "The power and strength of the crowd makes a huge difference. The fans make it a lot easier to stay focused and give you that extra push as there are always ups and downs.

"I felt that when I came back from two sets down to beat Richard Gasquet at Wimbledon last year. It was the first match I'd played in those circumstances and I really enjoyed it.

"When you have the crowd urging you on, it makes so much difference. It was the first time I'd played in a match like that and I really enjoyed it."

Murray's triumph at the AEGON Championship last weekend was his 12th career title - one more than Tim Henman achieved throughout his career.

The turning point for Murray's dream year came when he stunned Nadal to reach the US Open final last autumn.

Murray, who became the first Brit in 71 years to lift the Queen's title last Sunday, said: "That run was pivotal for me. I believed I could win Wimbledon and even the Australian Open last year. But I wasn't ready.

"Now I feel I am, both physically and mentally. My game is there. It is just a question of putting it all together. I definitely feel I can win Wimbledon.

"I know now what it takes to win a Slam after getting to the US Open final. Federer might have beaten me in the final but I still feel I had my chances."

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