TENNIS: Tim Henman tips Andy Murray to win multiple Majors

Tim Henman believes Andy Murray will take the tennis world by storm in 2013, now that’s he’s broken his Grand Slam duck.

The former world No.4 claims his fellow Brit has the tools, and now that’s he’s won his maiden Slam - last year’s US Open - he has the self-belief that can take him to the top of the sport over the next 12 months.

“I always said he was going to win many Grand Slams but I also felt his first would be his hardest,” HSBC ambassador Henman told 7DAYS. “And now he’s got that under his belt.”

Asked why he’s so confident the Scot, who met Joao Sousa in the third round of the Aussie Open this morning, can continue his upward spiral, the four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist feels the confidence gained from a stellar 2012 will provide the impetus for an even better year ahead.

“It was an amazing year for him in 2012, he won the Olympic Gold, made the final at Wimbledon and won his first Grand Slam,” Henman added. “Murray has really elevated his game - he beat [Novak] Djokovic in the final at the US Open. I wouldn’t be surprised if he adds the Australian Open in a couple of weeks. I think he and Djokovic are the favourites.”

And although he expects more Murray magic and Djokovic dominance, the former British No.1 hopes more than anything for a fit Rafael Nadal to return to the court. And soon.

“On my wish list is definitely to have Rafa back,” he commented. “He brings so much energy and passion to the game. With him being out since Wimbledon, I’m very keen to have him happy and healthy, and back on the court.”

The final member of tennis’ ‘fab-four’, Roger Federer, is another year older and many pundits believe the 31-year-old may be about to enter years of decline. But 38-year-old Henman believes tennis fans would be crazy to dismiss a player who is arguably the greatest of all-time. He said: “I think its very unwise to write off Federer given his record in the game

is better than anyone else; he’s the current Wimbledon champion and has won 17 Majors.”

And his thoughts on the elite quartet? “When you get those four guys fit and healthy, I think the game’s better than it’s ever been,” Henman said emphatically.

The winner of 11 ATP Tour titles believes that if anyone is likely to jump out of the pack and challenge the big guns it will be Spain’s David Ferrer.