I was happy to see Andy Murray keeping his feet on the ground after his victory at Queen’s Club on Sunday.
The Scot acknowledged that he is not the favourite to claim the men’s Wimbledon crown over the coming weeks – that spot is still reserved for the defending champion Rafael Nadal and, after that, the man who has dominated the tournament for several years now, Roger Federer.
What his victory over James Blake did show, however, was that Murray is as well placed as he has ever been to pose a serious challenge. He did not drop a single set during his week at the Aegon Championships, proof of form, and we have always know that he has the game to mix it with the very best.
For me, Nadal is the biggest unknown factor going into the next three weeks.
I watched him losing to Federer in Madrid, and then his initial wins and ultimate defeat in Paris. On the surface, he seemed to be the Spaniard we all admire, but you cannot help wondering if he simply needs a short break from the game given the problem with his knees and the fact that he has been playing tennis to the highest level on an almost constant basis for over 12 months now.
Surely at some point the hunger diminishes?
This is not where I predict the end of Rafa – there is so much to love about the guy – but rather where I wonder if we are seeing his momentum levelling out after an incredible run that saw him claim the number one spot from Federer?
The latter, for his part, just looks at home on grass and particularly on Centre Court. The same part of me that was delighted by his win in Roland Garros would, perhaps, like to see him claim that 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
Which brings us to Murray.
He has beaten Nadal and Federer recently, yes, but never at Wimbledon. Last time out was the first time he made it to the second week of the tournament and the past 12 months have been nothing short of spectacular for him.
The media attention is bound to be relentless, but surely he and his team will prepare for that. What makes me think that Murray is on the right track though, is the balanced cord he struck in the minutes after his win over Blake.
He spoke of his confidence, how he is happy with his current form, and, crucially, the fact that he is only too well aware of a) the growing expectation being placed on him and b) the exact nature of the challenge that lies ahead.
He will have to beat some of the best to triumph, but, just like Federer in France, Murray will, no doubt, deserve his Grand Slam crown, no matter who he overcomes, if it does eventually come.
Federer is currently favourite to add another Wimbledon crown with Paddy Power. The Swiss is available at evens with Murray at 3/1 and Nadal at 7/2 as his participation still remains in doubt.