Roger Federer has applauded Wimbledon final opponent Andy Murray for how he has handled being Britain's big tennis hope.
Rival impressed by way Murray has handled weight of expectation
Roger Federer has applauded Wimbledon final opponent Andy Murray for how he has handled being Britain's big tennis hope.
As one the sport's most decorated players, the 30-year-old Swiss star is accustomed to life in the spotlight - something that intensifies on Murray during the two-week tournament at the All England Club.
His every move, shot and word is up for scrutiny, with the British public desperate for him to end the 76-year wait for a male home winner.
That could now happen on Sunday should the Scot prevent the world number three from landing a record-equalling seventh SW19 crown but, even if not, Federer is impressed at the way he has handled being under the microscope.
"It reminds me a bit of Australia because you don't have the amount of players they have in France or America, so the focus is more on one player, maybe a couple," he said.
"I think what is so particular about this country is that there's so much attention on that one player, which is Andy Murray. Let's be happy that he's such a great player that he lets that sort of hype last.
Getting better
"He's only going to get better as time goes by. That's what he's been proving and I think he's handled it (the pressure) very well."
Federer secured his place in a record eighth final by seeing off defending champion Novak Djokovic over four sets, redressing the balance at the top of the sport after a spell playing second fiddle to the Serb and Rafael Nadal.
Despite his long list of achievements he has been sidelined by the Djokovic-Nadal rivalry over the last two years and has not won a major since his 2010 Australian Open final victory over Murray.
But should he prevail on Sunday he will reclaim the number one spot in the world and add to what is already a record 16 grand slams.
For him, though, making the final was never about proving himself to anyone who doubted he was a spent force.
"All I hoped for was a good match from me, to give myself a chance to be in the finals, to have a shot at the trophy again" he said.
"It's great. That's what my goal was going into the match, not looking ahead trying to prove a point or anything like that.
"I feel I've played plenty of tennis over the years and had so much success that I don't think I really need to do that."
