British tennis ace?

It really is beginning to look like this country has a genuine tennis star they can be really proud of.

Andy Murray certainly looks like the real deal after another impressive display in the St. Petersburg open where he walked the final 6-1 6-1.

He has already notched up two masters series titles and it was only a rejuvenated Roger Federer that stopped the Scotsman claiming his first grand slam at Flushing Meadows in the US open back in September.

This time a year ago Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal were seen as untouchable at the top of men's tennis, but Murray has accelerated up the rankings and looks every bit as good as those three at the moment.

This is certainly territory this country is not used to; Tim Henman was good but was never going to win a grand slam. He only won one Maters Series whereas Murray has already won two.

Greg Rusedski was in a similar mold, and had Brithish fans up too the early hours of the morning when he contested the 97 US Open final against Australian Pat Rafter.

But again he never came close to another Grand Slam, whereas Murray is now a genuine contender for every Grand Slam he enters.

I have to admit I was one of the first to jump on the anti Andy Murray bandwagon when he burst onto the scene.

He seemed far too passive and way too unfit with fitness levels probably near the same as what mine are.

That is still very much an iconic image of Murray throwing up on centre court because of pure exhaustion in the fifth set against David Nalbandian, in what was the Brit’s first Wimbledon.

Now he is a transformed player known as one of the best athletes in the game, with a superb counter-attacking style lead by the most feared backhand on the circuit.

Murray was also criticized for his temperament but he is now outgunning his opponents on the court thinking cleverly and his mental tenacity on the big points has made him difficult to play against.

I’m pretty sure this time next year we will be talking about the monopoly of the big four in tennis, not the big three.

Andy Murray has joined the party and Murray Mount come June will be roaring with anticipation for a Wimbledon title.