Teen sensation should be fast-tracked, says Becker

Boris Becker today told British tennis to learn from Wayne Rooney and fast-track Andrew Murray.

The three-times Wimbledon champion believes age should not be a barrier to sporting success and the Manchester United striker is a shining example.

Rooney, 19, is already an established England international and even though his on-pitch behaviour has ruled him out as one of football's role models, Becker says Murray and the Lawn Tennis Association can learn from him.

The German said: "You have to make a decision on what you want. If you want to have good athletes in the sport, they have to start young.

"In football there is Rooney and nobody is questioning the fact that he is only 19 years old.

"He is not too young because he is strong enough to play for United and the national team. You need to have the same attitude in tennis.

"You have to be professional as early as possible and then travel the world and train with the best."

Murray, 18, managed his first two wins on the ATP tour at Queen's this week and has been given a wild card for Wimbledon.

He is being tipped as British tennis' next big thing and Becker, who will be a commentator for the BBC at the Championships, wants him to set his sights high.

Becker, who won Wimbledon at 17 in 1985, said: "Murray is an exciting, fresh personality. He speaks his mind and had a good tournament.

"Once you are out on that court, age doesn't matter. If you are good enough and have qualified for the main draw then it is up to you."