Henman hails 'modern-day' Murray

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — Tim Henman has backed compatriot Andy Murray to reach the top in tennis as the British teenager continued his ascent up the world rankings by claiming his first tour title with victory over Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in the final of the SAP Open in San Jose, California.

Henman, a multiple Wimbledon semi-finalist, looks set to lose his status as British number one to the young Scot, who defeated Andy Roddick in the last four in California.

But an admiring Henman said of Murray: "He's a modern-day player for sure. What's fantastic is that he's so young - 18 - but he's got such a solid foundation.

"He's got a great serve, a great motion, a big forehand, good two-handed backhand, he understands the game well and he's comfortable coming to the net....