Murray happy to bear UK hopes

Andy Murray insists he can cope with the burden of shouldering a nation's growing expectations that he will finally end the 77-year wait for a British man to win Wimbledon.

Murray was in commanding form once again as he swept into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 7-6, 6-1 win over Russian 20th seed Mikhail Youzhny on Monday.

The world No 2 has yet to drop a set in his first four matches and looked more at ease than ever in the All-England Club spotlight as he prepares for a last-eight clash with Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Wednesday.

With Laura Robson eliminated from the women's draw on Monday, Murray is now the sole remaining focus of the British sporting public and he knows that means endless speculation about his chances of becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

Losing to Roger Federer in last year's Wimbledon final provoked a tearful response from Murray.

But, after winning the US Open and an Olympic gold at Wimbledon last year, Murray has appeared increasingly in command of his emotions both on and off court and he is in no doubt the pressure won't affect him.

"There's always pressure coming into this event and it builds with each match," Murray said.

"But I've dealt with it well over my career. I've played well at Wimbledon. It's been consistently my best slam over the course of my career.

"So that's partly down to the surface and partly down to enjoying playing in front of a home crowd and being able to kind of block everything else out.

"I work extremely hard to give myself the best chance to do well here.

"I just think the nature of how the tournament's gone, there was a few days there where it was just strange. I think everyone was a bit on edge, a little bit uptight because of what was happening with the injuries, withdraws, upsets and stuff.

"I felt a little bit more relaxed over the weekend and even calmer before the match today."

Murray admitted he effectively lives in a bubble during the tournament to ensure he doesn't get wrapped up in the inevitable hysteria that builds as he progresses towards the final.

His path to the final this year has been eased significantly by a host of big name exits including Rafael Nadal and Federer.

But Murray isn't dreaming of lifting the trophy just yet.

"I don't read everything that's getting said and I'm not out and about on the street speaking to people about the tournament," he said.

"I'm with the guys that I work with. I talk to them about each match individually. We don't get ahead of ourselves because you can't afford to do that.

"There's a lot of tough opponents left in the draw. Verdasco's playing very well this week as well."

(China Daily 07/03/2013 page22)