Murray to begin Wimbledon campaign - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Murray to begin Wimbledon campaign

Tennis star Andy Murray is beginning his Wimbledon campaign, with the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders.

The 22-year-old Scot, ranked as the third best player on the planet, said he was "feeling good" ahead of his match against Robert Kendrick on Centre Court.

Murray has won all three previous meetings with the American but has said he will not take his opponent lightly.

Many British tennis fans already have Murray pencilled in for the final against Swiss master Roger Federer a week on Sunday. Federer cruised through his opening match on Monday in three straight sets.

Murray, the 15-8 second favourite behind Federer after the withdrawal of Nadal, said: "I have a lot more confidence now in myself. When the big points and important moments come in matches, I feel like I am going to win them. Whether or not my opponents feel that as well, I am not sure.

"I am just going into every match feeling and thinking exactly the same, not worrying about my opponents too much."

Three other British men and three British women are also beginning their tournaments, including women's number one Anne Keothavong. The 25-year-old from Hackney, east London, is expected to beat Austria's Patricia Mayr.

She plays on Court No4 after British world number 304 Daniel Evans takes on powerful Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

Alex Bogdanovic, who in seven Wimbledons has never been past the first round, plays 20th seed Czech Tomas Berdych on Court No2.

Elsewhere Katie O'Brien takes on Iveta Benesova, Elena Baltacha is up against Alona Bondarenko and Ross Hutchins plays Stephen Huss.

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