Henman: Murray can win Wimbledon

Tim Henman believes Andy Murray can defy the odds and win Wimbledon this year.

Murray, who has succeeded Henman as the only realistic home challenger in either the men's or women's singles, begins his title bid against mercurial Frenchman Fabrice Santoro next week.

Asked if the 21-year-old could lift the title this year, Henman told the Daily Telegraph: "He could. Yes, he could. It's all about what happens on the day."

But Henman is less optimistic about the prospects of the other home competitors at SW19.

"It's not good is it?" he said of the quality behind Murray. "In Britain, we've got Andy, then a huge void.

"Our juniors are good - we've always had good juniors but they've been lacking mentally when they take the step up. They're not strong enough or tough enough mentally, and not aware of what the task is.

"The good thing now is that we have some great coaches who are there to help them make the transition.

"I think we also need to work harder to get kids to compete. It's crucial that we get them into regular competition. Not just hitting balls."