TENNIS

Federer fears Murray threat

by Nick Royle , 21 June 2009

Roger Federer believes that Andy Murray has the all-round tactical game to one day win the Wimbledon title.

Federer and Murray are seeded to meet each other in the final at the All England Club on July 5, after defending champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament through injury.

The five-time Wimbledon champion told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "He has the double-handed back-hand, very unusual, he's a great double-hander, he moves very well for how tall he is. He'll be a great grass champion for the future. He's definitely got a good chance (at Wimbledon)."

Murray leads the head-to-head clashes between the pair 6-2, including victory in their last four meetings, but Federer points out that he been the winner when the pair have met in finals.

"When it came down to the crunch we've played two times in finals he played very well but I was able to beat him, prior to finals he's beaten me," said the 27-year-old.

"I don't want to make excuses but he played me at a time when I had back problems (which) made it hard for me to call on my best performance level.

"He played me the right way and was very successful. He's a great tactician, I like to watch him play - he's a very tough challenge.

"I thought he handled the pressure very well last year. He also handled it in Queen's."

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