Murray: Count me in for Wimbledon

British No 1 Murray, 20, sidelined for six weeks by a wrist injury, is due to face Ecuador's experienced Nicolas Lapentti in the men's singles first round.

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And yesterday, following a work-out on an outside court on a day when the likes of Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Rafael Nadal also descended on SW19 to practise, Murray promised: "I'm planning to play. Wimbledon was always my goal.

"I've spoken to doctors and physios and they're all pretty confident I cannot re-injure the wrist by playing. I don't think there's any a gamble."

Although his participation still depends on a final work-out with coach Brad Gilbert today, Murray's declaration of intent will come as a massive relief to millions of fans who will tune in to watch Wimbledon over the next fortnight.

With respect to veteran Tim Henman, British interest in the men's singles would almost certainly be over by the end of this week without the presence of the young Scot, seeded No 8.

But carrying the hopes of the nation will be a huge burden. Murray has completed just one match — a defeat by Gilles Simon on clay in Rome — since he beat Holland's Raemon Sluiter in a Davis Cup-tie for Britain at Easter.

On May 15, his 20th birthday, Murray walked off the Hamburg Masters court in agony after suffering the injury which has since kept him out. Yesterday he attempted to put a positive spin on his lengthy lay-off.

"Obviously, I'd rather have played but it's not been the end of the world," he said. "I've used the time to work really hard on fitness and strength.

"At the beginning I couldn't feel a difference from day to day, but then each week it felt so much better. Finally, on Monday I started playing sets to see if I'd have any reaction to hitting the ball harder and I didn't. It was at that point that I was feeling I had a good chance of playing."

Defending Wimbledon champion Federer and former British No 1 Henman urged Murray to be cautious. But he said yesterday: "I guess they're probably saying if my wrist isn't ready, don't play."

First-round opponent Lapentti, 30, has not played Wimbledon for three years and, in seven visits, has only once passed the second round.

"Not too many guys play well on grass," said Murray, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon last summer.

"It's not Lapentti's best surface."

Murray will practise at Wimbledon this morning with fellow Scot Jamie Baker before finding a more secluded court to have a final training session with Gilbert this afternoon.

"I'll try to play full-out and see how it feels," said Murray. "If I feel I can do myself justice on the court, then I'll do it."