How Andy sowed the seeds for Brit talent to blossom

SINCE hobbling off court at Queen’s, the daily conjecture over the state of Andy Murray’s back has been pored over on television, radio and in print.

- Matt Majendie

On Wimbledon’s practice courts yesterday, he had camera lenses and prying eyes following his every step as he left it to the latest possible moment to decide whether to play at this tournament, with the depressing news finally emerging this morning that he is out of the singles.

The fact the number of British players in action today is in double figures is a testament to the impact of his career, all with something positive to say about the three-time Grand Slam champion.

Tim Henman was once the benchmark for Murray, helping to pave the way for the then teenager to come through the British and then global ranks.

And Henman says the 37-year-old Scot deserves every plaudit for his more wide-ranging impact.

“Andy has been an absolutely phenomenal role model in British tennis and raised the bar,” he said. “The strength in depth in British tennis for both men and women is better than it has been for 30-plus years and that is credit to him.