Patriot games from Murray

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FLYING THE FLAG: Andy Murray poses with a Union Jack ahead of today’s match against Rafael Nadal.

BACKING: Former British No.1 Tim Henman.

ANDY Murray was hoping to generate another atmosphere of patriotic frenzy on Centre Court today as he took on Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals.

The British No.1 is intent on emulating the fighting qualities that saw him come back from two sets down to win a thrilling encounter against Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the fourth round on Monday.

Murray said: “It’s really my job to make sure that I give the crowd something to shout about.

“Start well and give everyone belief that I can go on and do it.

“The atmosphere was great against Gasquet. I’m sure it will definitely equal that.”

One man definitely roaring on Murray was Tim Henman, the four-time semi-finalist who worked the crowd to his benefit on numerous occasions.

Henman admitted Nadal, the four-time French Open champion, is favourite, but said: “Andy has a chance, of course he has. But serving is going to be key. He must make sure he is aggressive and get as many free points as he can.

“He needs to make sure he is not defensive on the return of serve. If he just pushes it back into the middle of the court then Nadal will dominate with his forehand.”

Henman has been impressed with the demeanour of Murray and the way he has won the hearts of the same supporters who used to flock to cheer the Englishman on in SW19.

“His body language and his attitude have been the key to that because he has kept fighting all the time. The Gasquet match was a great one to turn around,” he said.

“But his demeanour has been the biggest positive. He’s been very composed and also he’s working so hard.”

Nadal, who injured a knee and received a medical time-out in his fourth-round defeat of Mikhail Youzhny, was wary of Murray’s threat.

“He is a tough opponent. I have to play my best tennis if I want to be in the semi-finals,” the second seed said.