Champ Murray ready to battle

Andy Murray was welcomed back to Wimbledon with a reminder that the hopes of a nation are once again on his shoulders.

He may have ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s singles champion 12 months ago but there is a new tournament to be won and expectations are sky-high.

If Murray was under any illusion that the pressure had lifted, that was shattered in the opening 30 seconds of his pre-tournament press conference when he was told that, following England’s World Cup exit, hopes were now on him to lift the gloom. Murray hesitated before responding with a single word: “Wow.”

Things have changed, of course, with the Scot now able to see his name on the honours board and Fred Perry pushed a little further back into history.

But Murray’s goal remains the same, to win grand slams, and the perfectionist inside him will not allow him to be satisfied with past glories.

He said: “I think, I need to enjoy that moment when I walk back on the court.

“But as soon as I start playing, it’s about trying to win. And I enjoy winning. I don’t really want to go out on the court tomorrow and enjoy playing and then lose.

“It’s time when I get on the court to start concentrating. Not think about last year, concentrate on this year’s tournament and that’s it.”

Murray will have the traditional honour of beginning the defence of his title by playing in the opening match on Centre Court, against Belgian David Goffin.

The 27-year-old has defended a title before, at the US Open last year, but it will be a new experience for him at his ninth Wimbledon.

The only person he has sought advice from is new coach Amelie Mauresmo, who he appointed after the French Open and who will be with him for the first time at a grand slam.

“I’m aware when I walk out on the court I’m going to be nervous,” said Murray.

“I know there’s going to be pressure. But I hope I’m able to deal with it well.”