Andy Murray today insisted his hopes of becoming Britain's first Wimbledon men's champion since Fred Perry 72 years ago was not a mission impossible at this year's championships.

The British No1 also hit back at critics who claim he is still not fit enough to challenge Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal by claiming: "I am one the best athletes in the tennis world."

Murray, who missed last year's Wimbledon due to a serious wrist injury, pulled out of the Artois tournament at Queen's with a minor thumb problem that has cleared up almost as quickly as it appeared and is adamant the men's title is a serious target when the Championships begin on Monday.

He said: "I have high expectations for myself and I don't see winning the tournament as an impossibility. I am not putting any extra pressure on myself because everyone wants me to do it. I would like to do it myself."

That thumb injury, following on from knee trouble earlier in the year, contributed to the view that he is still physically suspect compared to the players at the very pinnacle of the game. But the world No11 believes he is stronger and fitter than ever thanks to the support of Team Murray, which includes phsyio and physical training experts.

As he completes his final preparations for next week's challenge, the 21-year-old Scot said: "I don't think anyone can pass judgement on how hard I work in the gym or the running track if they haven't been there watching what I do.

"The results of Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been better than mine, no question about that, but I think I am one of the best athletes in the tennis world.

"I have always wanted to win a Grand Slam and the amount of work I have put in off the court makes me want to do it even more. I have had people saying 'You don't work hard enough' or 'You need to get stronger' and I have worked really hard to do that .

"The only goal I had in tennis when I started was to be top-10 and I did that last year. My main target now is to win Grand Slams."

Murray will inherit the deafening home support that used to be saved for Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, and that generates its own pressure. Henman could send the Centre Court wild with a fist pump while Rusedski opted for the Union Jack bandana to convince the doubters he was really a "true Brit" despite having grown up in Canada.

Murray will not be going down the Rusedski road to win over those fans, who bridle at his on-court outbursts of anger and the pained expressions which suggest he is not enjoying this lucrative tennis life.

"No, I have never thought about wearing a Union Jack headband," he said. "When you start doing things like that then it can go overboard a bit. The fans come to cheer for British players and if I am going on court against a French player then I know there will be plenty of support for me."

Murray is remarkably laid back just days before he has to convince the British sporting public he can become a Grand Slam champion on grass.

He said: "I have been very relaxed this week. Having missed it last year I am even more excited to play but that hasn't made me stressed out or nervous. Last year was incredibly tough. Having to watch the Championships on television wasn't the nicest thing. I'm determined to enjoy myself this year and do well."

Surrey's Chris Eaton, meanwhile, claimed one of the best wins of his career to qualify for Wimbledon's main draw. The 20-year-old, ranked 659 in the world, fired 31 aces to blast his way past Olivier Patience, of France, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 at Roehampton.