Tennis legends and fans today backed Andy Murray as he battled to book his place in a second Wimbledon final and earn the chance to make history.
The world No 2 was being tipped for the title by some of the game’s most famous names as he tried to topple 6ft 8in Pole Jerzy Janowicz, the 24th seed, in today’s semi-final.
Murray, who broke down in tears after losing the final to Roger Federer last year, is trying to end a 77-year wait for a British men’s singles crown.
Today he was boosted by celebrities and former Wimbledon stars, who told him: “It’s your time.”
Murray, 26, could earn a showdown with top seed Novak Djokovic — who faced Argentine Juan Martín Del Potro in the first semi-final on Centre Court today — on Sunday.
Former champion Richard Krajicek said today: “We will see a great Andy. I predicted it. It will be tough but I still think he will win. Djokovic and Andy are pretty even and the crowd will make the difference, they will add a couple of per cent. Rather than feeling all this pressure from the crowd, he is at a stage where it is helping him, this positive energy.”
Murray fought back from two sets down to win his quarter-final and Krajicek added: “They helped him a lot in the last match, maybe when he was tired mentally — they really got into it. He did all the work and the fighting, but the crowd helped him a few times.”
Boxer Amir Khan said he was coming to the All England Club to support Murray, while friend Kevin Spacey tweeted: “I will be glued to the TV come Friday. Wish I could be there, but will be there in spirit!”
Billie-Jean King, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, said much of Murray’s success was down to his mother Judy. She said: “Judy has done a great job in making sure her kids have a passion to play, and that gets you through tough times. Winning the Olympics has been very helpful.
“He has the best chance he has ever had if he can just keep his emotions in check. If he can control the nerves, particularly because he is dealing with history, then it is possible.
“Virginia [Wade] won in ’77, it’s 77 years since a British man won, so it could be his year. It’s his time.”
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Former British No 1 and four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman said: “The most important aspect is his performance, so he does not have to rely on the crowd. They definitely can help but if he’s playing the right way there should be no problem.
“I’ve said he is going to win it from the start and I’m not going to change my mind now. There is no doubt about it, Andy can definitely win it.”
Thousands of “Murray Maniacs” queued for ground passes to cheer on their hero from Murray Mount as Wimbledon closed the gates at 8.30am. They were advised to wear hats and drink plenty of water with temperatures today set to hit 25 degrees.
Gillian Kerridge, 24, Hollie Willison, 24, and Rhona Hurley, 23, arrived just before the cut-off point and couldn’t conceal their delight.
Ms Kerridge said: “What a wonderful day it is with all this sunshine.”
