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Murray braced for Nadal showdown

02/07/2008

Andy Murray is hours away from what will be the biggest game of his career when he plays Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old set up his first-ever last-eight grand slam outing after an epic five-set match with Richard Gasquet in the last round.

Murray, the 12th seed at SW19, has lost his previous three matches with four-time French Open champion Nadal.

The pair are due on Centre Court after world number one Roger Federer plays Mario Ancic, the last man to beat him at Wimbledon.

The other two quarter-finals scheduled for Wednesday are Marat Safin v Feliciano Lopez and Rainer Schuettler against Arnaud Clement.

Murray has already received the backing of the man he replaced as British number one; Tim Henman.

Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Henman said the Scot had a 'great chance' of progressing to the last four.

"But serving is going to be key," he said.

"He must make sure he is aggressive and get as many free points as he can.

"He needs to make sure he is not defensive on the return of serve. If he just pushes it back in the middle of the court then Nadal dominates with his forehand."