Federer: Murray can handle pressure

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:35

Murray is one of the few players with a winning record against Federer, leading their head-to-head clashes 6-2, including victory in their last four meetings.

“He’s a very gifted player, he has wonderful feel. He’s a great tactician. I always said that and he’s finally proved it because it took him some time,” said Federer.

“That was the disappointing part, I thought, that it took him longer than I expected. I was wrong with my prediction because I expected him to do better a few years ago.

“But everything is coming together for him now and he’s been rock solid for almost two years now. He’s there where he belongs, absolutely.”

Murray comes into Wimbledon on the back of his first tournament victory on grass in the AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club, and reached the quarter-finals here last year before losing to Nadal.

And Federer believes the signs are good that the Scot can cope with the enormous pressure of attempting to become the first British winner of the men’s singles since 1936.

“Time will tell really,” Federer added. “It seems like he handled it well last year. Again, he handled it well in Queen’s, so it seems like it’s going to be okay for him.”

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