Sampras predicts top honours for Murray

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Murray, 21, enjoyed a prolific 2008 season, reaching number four in the world and beating world number one Rafael Nadal en route to the US Open final in September, only to lose out to world number two Roger Federer.

"He's moved himself right up to one notch below Roger and Nadal," said Sampras, who is in London for the first time since 2002 for the Tour of Champions' BlackRock Masters. "He's right on the edge of breaking through and winning a major. He's got the game."

He added: "The US Open was a great breakthrough for him and I'm impressed.

"He's competitive, he's a great mover and he's got a ton of talent. He's definitely got the game to win a major."

Sampras, who won a record 14 grand slam titles - seven at Wimbledon - before retiring six years ago, reckons the key to Murray winning a maiden grand slam is psychological rather than any physical aspect of his game.

Asked what he needs to improve to reach the same level as Federer and Nadal, Sampras said: "He needs a bit more self-belief and confidence that he can win a major.

"Watching the US Open, I could sense that he didn't really believe he could win that match.

"But he's right there ready to break through and he's only 21 so he's got many years to keep it together. He'll do it, I really believe that. He's the real deal."

Sampras has not given any advice to Murray, saying the Scot has his own people for that, but he jokingly added: "I sure know what it takes to win Wimbledon if he wants advice on that."