Andy Murray has been told to ignore his critics and instead listen to the Wimbledon crowd cheering him all the way to a maiden grand slam title.

Tim Henman was mystified by the stick the world No3 received for being beaten by Chile's Fernando Gonzalez, the 12th seed, in the quarter-finals of the French Open last week. And he insisted his successor as British No1 can prove a point to his detractors at the All England Club.

Ahead of Murray beginning his challenge for the AEGON Championship at Queen's Club against Andreas Seppi, of Italy, today, Henman said: "Andy is a genuine contender at Wimbledon. Do I think he can win it this year? Absolutely, he's that good."

Murray's Paris setback was especially galling as defending champion Rafael Nadal's first defeat at Roland Garros in five years had opened up Murray's half of the draw.

But Henman preferred to spotlight the positives in 22-year-old Murray's performance.

He said: "If you had sat me down before Paris and asked what would be a good tournament for Andy, I would have replied that if he had got into the second week, better than he's ever done before, that would be great.

"Well, he gets into the second week and then goes a stage further by winning through to the quarters, where he meets Gonzalez, who then plays one of the best matches I've ever seen him play.

"Andy loses that match, then all of a sudden people are saying he was disappointing. I'm going, 'Hang on a minute, go back 10 days to when we set him a target and he superseded that.'

"Unfortunately, that criticism goes with the territory. In this country, at Wimbledon time of the year, there isn't always the best perspective on things.

"But that's where Andy is good. He is very clear about what he's trying to do, what he's trying to improve."

Having backed Murray's Wimbledon credentials, Henman offered a more cautious assessment of his friend's chances of emulating Roger Federer by holding a full hand of grand slam titles.

The Swiss claimed his 14th major title in France on Sunday, equalling Pete Sampras's all-time record. But Henman fears French clay could defeat Murray's own march on a slam of slams.

"Australia, Wimbledon and the US? Yeah, Andy has the game to win those," said Henman, now retired to the television commentary booth.

"He kind of has the game to win in Paris. He's still relatively inexperienced on clay but if he keeps progressing like he has, there is a possibility of a title there.

"But I think one of the advantages about Wimbledon is that there are fewer guys who are comfortable on grass.

"One of the disadvantages for Andy in Paris is there are more people comfortable on clay and that might make it hard for him. But that's jumping a long way ahead."

While Murray's quest for a maiden singles trophy at Queen's begins this afternoon, his tilt at doubles glory is already over after he and Lleyton Hewitt were yesterday beaten by fifth seeds Lukasz Kubot and Oliver Marach.

* Tim Henman will be part of the BBC's commentary team during Wimbledon, which runs from 22 June to 5 July. Coverage is live and exclusive across BBC TV, Five Live and interactive platforms.