'Andy Murray is still an inspiration to me'

BARELY audible, but definitely discernible above the buzz of a police helicopter and the din of a busy Saturday afternoon, was the faint pop of yellow balls being knocked back and forth.

Every one of the council-run courts at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park was in use and there was no doubting as to why they were filled to capacity. His Wimbledon dreams for 2009 may have been shattered, but Andy Murray is proving a huge inspiration for sports-loving youngsters across Scotland.

Jatinder Pal Singh and his younger brother Maninder's faces break into broad grins as they chant their hero's name in unison.

"We want to be like him," said nine-year-old Jatinder.

His sibling, younger by a year, nodded excitedly: "We have been watching him on TV. He's great."

The boy's mother, Jaspal, looks on with evident pride as the boys ping the ball to and fro with precocious skill.

Her dream is that her sons can emulate and even surpass their idol by winning a Wimbledon final.

Ken Fraser and his girlfriend Joana Riley have more modest expectations.

The 25-year-old finance worker gives a modest grin at the end of impromptu game.

He said: "We picked up the rackets from Tesco for £5 each and, to be honest, we are not very good. But Andy Murray put tennis at the forefront of our minds so we decided to come out and give it a go."

Cardonald teenager Brandon McGavin and his pal Michael Kennedy are doing just that.

"I usually just play football or snooker," admits McGavin.

"But Andy Murray is still an inspiration to me so I came out to play tennis today instead."

The park's popular tennis courts are, however, showing signs of wear and tear. Gaps are starting to appear in the wire fence that encircles the players and a hastily scribbled "out of order sign" is pinned to the ramshackle pavilion outside.

David Marshall, chief executive of Tennis Scotland, told Scotland on Sunday he wants to attract more players but action is needed from councils.

He said: "Andy has given us the thrust we need. With the profile we are getting just now, we will be missing a huge opportunity if there are no facilities there."

At Fort William leisure centre yesterday, manager Graham Brooks insisted there are very real problems to address.

"It's been sad to see such a decline in what was once a thriving sport in the area," he said.

"I remember having to take bookings weeks in advance and we even had a mini-Wimbledon Championship each year, with dozens of spectators cheering from tiered seating.

"It would be nice to see the derelict courts back in use again if funding could be found."

Tennis Scotland spokesman Dave McDermid hoped "Murray mania" could bring practical benefits.

He said:

"It is absolutely vital that we keep the pressure up on both local and national government to ensure that our facilities match the hugely increased profile of tennis in this country."

Murray remains upbeat following his Wimbledon semi-final defeat against Andy Roddick, despite claims by PR guru Max Clifford that his loss cost him the chance to rake in an estimated £100 million in sponsorship money, and is now setting his sights on the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

Clifford also said some dental work may help Murray: "If I was involved I'd probably advise him to have his teeth done because he seems to have particularly unattractive teeth. Why bother? Well, if you're seriously interested in making yourself the biggest sports star on the planet then it matters. If you're not, it doesn't."

Murray was also brave in the face of reports suggesting his odds of winning Sports Personality of the Year have tumbled to 7-1.

The UK number one said: "I'll move on very, very quickly. I'll go and work on my game and improve and come back stronger.

"Favourite Roger Federer said Murray was still well placed to win a Grand Slam title. The Swiss finalist said: "He has put himself in a good position with all his wins in Masters and being consistent, having a good record against top players, so things look good for him."

Back in Kelvingrove, a man in his sixties sits on a park bench quietly watching numerous games, from the competitive to the chaotic, unfold before him.

When asked if he is a tennis fan he shakes his head and lights a roll-up, before stifling a chuckle.

"Tennis was never my game," he rasped.

"But my grandson can't get enough of it.

"He and his pals all want to be Andy Murray."

IS ANDY MURRAY SEXY?

YES
Rosemary Gallagher Scotland on Sunday Business News Editor

He may be far from a bronzed Adonis, but Andy Murray does it for me. When he first appeared on the tennis scene as Britain's next big hope after Tim Henman, I must admit he came across as a moody wee boy. But whether it's all his own doing, or he has some good image makers working for him behind the scenes, he has been transformed into a handsome and, in my opinion, witty young man.

His tall, lean build, pale Celtic skin, square jaw with a hint of stubble and wild hair can send me into a bit of a tizz. But it's about more than looks with Andy. He has a touch of the McEnroe about him with his passion and focus – although he has learned to keep his temper under control. He goes for the jugular in every game.

While not known for cracking jokes, I think there's a dry sense of humour under the gruff exterior that would only really come out if you got to know him. For example, I killed myself laughing when he was questioned by an over-enthusiastic Sue Barker about how wonderful he found the new multi-million-pound Wimbledon roof. His wry reply, delivered with a smirk, was: "As far as roofs go, it's OK."

NO
Nathalie Thomas Scotland on Sunday Business Reporter

Andy Murray has a lot of things going for him: his outstanding range of shots, his ability to keep a cool head under pressure. But sex appeal is not one of them.

While television footage of him doing press-ups with his shirt off last week may have sent some ladies into a frenzy, the first thought that sprang to my mind was of pale Brits on the beach, and I promptly changed the channel. Shorts and t-shirt marks do not a sexy man make.

Don't get me wrong, I like Murray. But when the tennis circuit offers up such feasts as Rafael Nadal's bulging biceps and Lleyton Hewitt's pretty boy looks, it's difficult to get excited about anything other than the tennis when Murray walks on court.

His monotone interviews don't help. I imagine a date with Murray would be about as interesting as an evening with John Major. Except John Major would be able to dish the dirt on his affair with Edwina Currie.

In the looks stakes, I'd be more prone to back older brother Jamie. Murray senior has a flirtatious twinkle in his eye. He's smiley, cheeky and altogether far more amiable. Perhaps that has something to do with the difference in pressure the two brothers face.