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Tim Henman admits even he has been surprised by the "phenomenal" rise of Andy Murray as the world number three prepares to challenge for the Wimbledon title.

The 22-year-old lifted the AEGON Championships title last week to become the first British winner at Queen's in 71 years.

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Now all eyes will focus on the Wimbledon fortnight, where Murray aims to be the first home-grown champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

While the man himself maintains he will not get swept up in all the inevitable pre-tournament hype, the Scot is set to be among the favourites at the All England Club, where he will look to fend off the challenges of newly-crowned French Open champion Roger Federer and holder Rafael Nadal, currently struggling with knee problems.

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Former British number one Henman, 34, reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon four times between 1998 and 2002.

Now retired, Henman feels Murray has the game to go all the way at SW19 this year, having built up momentum from a first grand slam final appearance at the US Open.

"The 12 months since Wimbledon last year have been phenomenal, how well he has played and how quickly he has developed. This can be another big fortnight for him," said Henman, an ambassador for HSBC, who are running a public vote to find the greatest Wimbledon champion of all time.

"I always knew, and said for years, that Andy was going to be a great player - but if you had said to me after losing at Wimbledon last year that he would be in a final of a slam, win three ATP Masters Series and several other tournaments, that is good by anyone's standards.

"It has somewhat surprised me the speed at which it has happened but Andy has done that throughout his career at different age groups.

"I know as well as anyone how difficult Queen's is, which is always a strong field, and it was just routine for Andy, he never looked in doubt.

"It was so impressive and that is a great foundation."

Henman, though, feels Murray will not allow himself to focus on anything other than the job in hand when he steps out onto Centre Court at the All England Club.

"There is always a massive amount of hype this time of year because we have got the biggest and best tournament in the world, while also having another genuine contender," said Henman.

"From the outside looking in, it is perhaps right to ask whether there is too much expectation but, when you are on the other side, as a player, you are never bothered by it. I certainly did not pay a lot of attention to it.

"For me, the whole feeling of this month was that it was my favourite time of the year and I could just not wait to get out there.

"Andy is the same - he knows what is important. He is going to concentrate on his preparation and performance. All of the other stuff takes care of itself."

Henman added: "It is not a popularity contest - Andy is out there to play his best tennis and is going to focus on the important aspects.

"He will make sure he is fresh, used to the conditions and getting ready for the first round - because if he is not and gets ahead of himself and does not play as well as he is capable of, upsets can happen.

"Andy does not want that to happen and I do not think he will allow that to happen because he is wise enough and has got a good team around him, and is playing well enough.

"It is a two-week tournament and it is one step at a time.

"But Andy is in a really good position right now, having had five matches on grass last week, is fit and healthy, so fingers crossed it can stay that way."

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