Murray looking to do smiles better

British number two Andy Murray has been inspired by World Cup star Ronaldinho to adopt a positive approach in the build-up to Wimbledon.

Stuck without a coach and in a poor run of form, Murray has few reasons to smile, but that is exactly what he believes he needs to do more of and it is Brazil star Ronaldinho he is looking to emulate ahead of the All-England Championships.

Murray said: “Ronaldinho is my favourite footballer and you watch him play and he’s [always grinning] regardless of what the score is or if he makes a bad pass. I think that’s something I have to try and get into my game a bit more.”

Murray beat Lleyton Hewitt to claim his first ATP Tour title in San Jose in February, but has won only five of 14 singles matches since and has not made it to the second round of a grand slam this year.

The 19-year-old lost an epic encounter to David Nalbandian in the third round at Wimbledon 12 months ago, and is hoping an optimistic outlook will go some way to helping him make it at least as far this time around.

“I do think I need to look like I’m enjoying it a bit more, like I was at Queen’s (Club) and Wimbledon last year and through the American summer,” he said.

However, the Dunblane teenager just hopes a different attitude does not encourage criticism.

“There were still people saying that if he was jumping around and getting cramps, he’s expending too much energy. It’s difficult,” he said.

Smiling or not, Murray is aware he will shoulder the hopes of British tennis fans from June 26, along with Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.

“I’ve dealt with the pressure well before. I did last year and I hope I can do the same again,” he said.

“It’s a little bit different though because everyone’s expecting me to do better than last year.”

Murray will have the chance to lift his form on grass, his least favourite surface, when he plays in the Boodles Challenge next week, an exhibition event at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire.

He will play at least three matches against the likes of Andre Agassi, Nicolas Massu, Fernando Gonzalez and Radek Stepanek, and believes the match practice will stand him in good stead for Wimbledon.

“I get to play some matches against some very good players and the courts there are very good and from what I’ve heard are pretty similar to Wimbledon,” he said.