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Wilkinson: "Outside chance" for Murray
FORMER England number Chris Wilkinson believes Andy Murray has an "outside chance" of pulling off a shock quarter-final win over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon today.
But ultimately he thinks beating the Spaniard will prove to tough a task for Murray.
Murray faces world number two Nadal on Centre Court in his first ever appearance in a grand slam quarter-final.
The 21 year-old will have to reverse his previous fortunes against Nadal to pull off a shock victory in what is the biggest match of his career so far.
The Spaniard has triumphed in all three of the pairs previous matches, though this afternoon's SW19 match will be their first meeting on grass.
And Southampton-born Wilkinson, 38, said: "He has got an outside chance. Nadal though is a bit stronger and superior as a player and will also be more consistent than some of the players Andy has faced already in this tournament.
"Do I think he will win? No, I don't think he is going to win but he has always got an outside chance."
Wilkinson, who reached the third round of Wimbledon four times during his career, believes two factors give Murray that outside hope against the Majorcan muscleman - his own improved physique and the backing of a partisan home crowd.
Plenty of column inches have been filled since the start of the tournament discussing Murray's improved physical condition, with the Scot keen to show off his biceps to the crowd after his sensational fourth round comeback win from two sets down against French number one Richard Gasquet on Monday.
And should Murray have to go the five-set distance again against Nadal Wilkinson thinks he is in a better position than he ever has been to last.
"He has improved a hell of a lot. There is no way he would have been able to do what he did against Gasquet two years ago. His condition is something he has really worked hard on in the five-set matches it's something you need and he has done well on that front.
"He will also have the crowd on his side and they are two areas that have helped him do well in the tournament and could help him again."
And Wilkinson, who is playing in the over-35 doubles at The All England Club, insists attack will be the best form of defence for Murray this afternoon.
"Against Gasquet when he started his brilliant comeback he was taking more risks, like coming into the net more, and putting pressure on Nadal and that is one thing he has got to do more today.
"Murray has got to serve well and has got to start putting pressure on him.
"Nadal is a player who gives you nothing and when you think how hard and how well he hits the ball it is going to be tough.
"He just hits the ball so much higher off the court. The amount of spin he gets off the court it's difficult for players to deal with. He hits the ball so hard and it bounces up so high. Mentally Nadal is one of the best players around.
"It is going to be a tough task for Murray but he has got nothing to lose. He can go out there, have a go, play his shots and if the crowd gets behind him and the momentum builds then he will have a shout."
10:00am Wednesday 2nd July 2008
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