I wrote about Andy Murray a month or so ago, just after his defeat in the quarter finals at Wimbledon. I imagine tennis betting enthusiasts had seen the same sort of comment on the bulletin boards as I did. The general view seemed to be that here was another Tim Henman, destined to fail. So desperate are the British for a success in the men’s or women’s final at Wimbledon that they become oblivious to the power they have to crush the spirit of our players by writing them off as failures if they don’t win the Championship. It will happen with the young Laura Robson, if we’re not careful.

Natural Talent and Nerves Needed

I wrote at the time that Murray had, in that match against Richard Gasquet, demonstrated an immense capacity to maintain his focus and his nerve in the face of extreme pressure. Real sports fans know that this is the essence of presenting a powerful challenge for any title and you’ve either got it or you haven’t. Tiger Woods has this ability in greater measure than any other sportsman today. Skill is obviously the other component of success, but this can be learned. Andy Murray is on that learning curve and, it would appear, he is making excellent progress.

Murray Ranked 6th in World

Yesterday Murray achieved a stunning victory over the world number three, Novak Djokovic, in the final of the Cincinnati Masters. In beating the Serb, Murray has achieved the world ranking of number six. Any doubters among you online betting fans should take note that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were both playing in this tournament. I said it after Wimbledon and I’ll say it again now, Andy Murray will certainly win a slam title in the very near future.