Will Britain learn to love Andy Murray?

Andy Murray has become a hero overnight. The trouble is, so far it's only in America.

The British No 1's stunning victory over Rafael Nadal, which has earned him a place in tonight’s US Open final against Roger Federer, is being hailed across the pond by fans, celebrities and his peers.

But for some reason, many over here still fail to be stirred by the Scotsman, thinking of his surly appearance before his superb groundstrokes and his body language before his clear determination to win.

But why the apathy? Is it because Britain loves a plucky loser? Surely it can't still be for the joke he cracked about England's football team, hoping they would get beaten in the World Cup because he is Scottish?

Maybe this is an English thing, not British, and the proud son of Scotland is rightly lauded in his home nation. It could be that he is so focused on winning tennis matches that he doesn’t care too much for PR and how he is perceived. Should we be more understanding and proud?

A quick look at the facts tells us that Murray deserves worldwide admiration. He won the junior US Open in 2004, reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon this year, has a favourable head-to-head record against Federer (Murray leads 2-1 from the matches they have played) ... and he is still only 21.

Perhaps Murray is simply unlucky to be a part of a generation that has spawned some exceptional young players at the same time: Nadal is 22 and Novak Djokovic 21. It should be remembered that Federer, thought of by many as the greatest player of all time, had only reached the quarter-finals of a grand-slam tournament at the same stage of his career as Murray is at now.

So what will it take for Murray to be taken the bosom of the British fans? Must he win the US Open tonight? Will a Wimbledon crown do it?

Or does he have to take Federer to five sets before losing heroically, only to offer a few jokes in the post-match press conference?

Can you learn to love Murray? Have your say below.

Comments

[A Regan]

Henman is still much loved by the middle Englanders who make up much of British tennis supporters, and Murray is nothing like Henman.

I think the British can learn to respect him after all he has a powerful and diverse game and then maybe to like him eventually.

It may help to smarten up at bit and stop grimacing but should he have to change to be liked? I don't think Murray cares about being liked after all he is getting on with the serious business of winning matches. Do we really want a winner?

I like watching him play and much prefer to watch a character than a so called Tiger who was really a kitten.

[KS]

I find it very hard to like Murray. It's nothing to do with him being Scottish, although his comments about the England football team were ill chosen. I find his whole demeanour and body language totally off putting although he does seem to be trying to be more amenable lately.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have got it just right. I suppose they play to the crowds to a certain extent, particularly Nadal, he seems to know just the right thing to say (see his gracious comments about his defeat by Murray) This is reflected in the support they get, the spectators at the Open yesterday were so much behind Nadal.
I will be cheering for Roger tonight, patriotism doesn't come into this. I just want to see him win something as he's had such a bad year and some pundits have dared to try to write him off.

[Joinville]

It's an English thing, I suspect. Generally, folk in Scotland think he is great.

This being the Telegraph, I also suspect most folk here will hate him. His joke will be used to justify this hatred. Irony, don't you just love it.

[Ben]

I have to admit I didn't used to like Murray - he seemed content at being British number one and was spoilt by the excessive money the LTA give to promising British players.

I have to admit to a complete turnaround in my attitude though, he has worked his socks off to become fitter, stronger and able to complete with the very best.

Watching the world class shotmaking at the weekend, I could not help but admire the guy, who at only 21 has the world at his feet. And yes he is British.

[Jean Jones]

Scotland already loves Andy. You mean England. What many English people do not seem to realise is that Andy IS a nice, middle-class boy, but a Scottish one. He does not come across as an English public-school boy with verbal diarrhoea, because he isn't one. He is what many, many nice middle-class Scottish boys are - economical with words and sparing with smiles. This does not make him rude or surly. In any case, he's on the public stage to be a dazzling tennis player, not an orator.

[SUSAN]

The hate-England comment will never be forgotten because it was symptomatic of an attitude we are very very sick of. And his feral snarl and arm pumping is deeply unpleasant. Yes, spur himself on, yes, wave his arnms about when is pleased with himself but he goes way beyond that, snarling and roaring at the crowd in defiance. He is not a gentleman which Henman always was, Rudestski was, Nadal and Federer are..he needs to change his attitude. And for all that he is supposed to be so wonderful why did he lose to an unknown Chinese player in the OLympics ?

[WTaylor]

Murray might be more likeable if he would quit the following:
Every photo of him shows him with his mouth wide open like he is trying to swallow his opponent.
Showing his bicep after a win indicates arrogance.
The towel guy/girl is not a servant, so I would appreciate it if he would just walk over to them if he needs to wipe his brow instead of that ridiculous hand signal (very annoying!)
These changes would reciprocate a more favourable response and increase his fan base.

[Jonathan Peden]

Well done Andy Murray but why do you have to look so miserable? It's like watching Kevin the Teenager whenever you attend a press conference

[W. Boyd]

To be honest, I couldn't stand Henman because of the absurd support that surrounded him come Wimbledon - that and the fact that he was merely a good tennis player, not a great one.

Murray apparently has talent but I'm a little put off by the way the media has, on occasion, presented him as Henman's replacement, before admitting that characterwise they're complete opposites. All that rubbish about Henman Hill becoming Murray Mount is very irritating.

[Rouleur]

Oh dear the poor English don't like the fact a Scotsman is successful and doesn't kowtow to the English media's perception of him. Frankly if you asked 5 million Scots the same question about football then you would get the same response.

He's Scottish and proud of it just as we are proud of him.....deal with it.

[Lizzie]

I think we should just enjoy the fact that we have a winner for a change! Ok, so he may not be full of the joys outwardly but has that done any favours to the lovely losers who have represented Britan before? He is an incredible sportsman and that's all we should worry about, not his PR abilities.

[Tom Welsh]

Well, I'm threequarters Scots and I find Murray quite an unpleasant character. He mopes, complains, swears, and seems self-obsessed. Federer, Nadal, Roddick, and many other leading tennis players project images of cheerful, positive courtesy - whatever they may be feeling inside. Witness Nadal's charming compliments on Murray's play after losing to him. I was actually rooting for Nadal, and shall be strongly supporting Federer in the final. In fact I can't think offhand of anyone against whom I would support Murray.

What is all this sporting nationalism anyway? Why all the nonsense about "Team GB" and how many medals "we" have won? In every other way, our masters have long been persuading us that being British means nothing special. Isn't it more sensible to support the players and teams that you like and admire most?

[Rouleur]

Forgot to say Scotland already does love him so basically the article should be titled 'Will England learn to love Murray?'
I find the nature of this article in a similar vein to the Brown bashing that has been going on for the last year and there is a perceptible rise in anti Scottish racism which the English based press continues to propogate with articles like this.

[David Space]

Given how rabidly anti-English the Scots are, I find it hard to get behind Scottish players. The English don't take the idiotic "anyone against the Scots" attitude that Murray and most other Scottish people seem to when it comes to England. But why the English should be expected to actively support the Scots I can't imagine.

[Will]

I'm british, I fought for my country in the Falklands war,
tonight I will be supporting Roger Federer

[phil]

I hope Murray wins tonight but I have to say I find it very hard to warm to his surly demeanour. He just exudes a negative charisma

[Jon]

I'm English and am very pleased with Andy's progress. I tipped him for greatness 3 years ago because his match temperament was very good and he was developing an excellent aggressive game. I've seen nothing to change my mind. So what if he's Scottish, I don't see why that is a relevant fact to some. I wish him well.

[Rhys Jaggar]

I've always liked Andy Murray. But then, I liked Wayne Rooney when he was a foul-mouthed 17 year old!

And McEnroe was my childhood model as a tennis player.

Something inside Andy Murray has switched in the past 3 months, allowing him to focus more on his tennis and slightly less on irritations.

He'll mature into a thoughtful, responsible individual.

Right now, he's a young, brash, talented, tough, ambitious, driven 21 year old.

Let's love and honour that now and evaluate him in maturity when maturity comes, eh?

[Joinville]

Oops!

This is the Times, it will be more balanced.

[Joe Ogunro]

Murray when asked said he'd support anyone but England in the World cup. Oh the pain the English have felt over this! I don't think he's ever said he hates England or English people, get over it. The point made that "He is not a gentleman like Henman always was..." is one of the reasons he'll actually win things. Good luck tonight Andy.

[ruth graesser]

I can't believe that people don't like Andy M because of the way he LOOKS! How OUTRAGEOUS is that. His tennis is incredible - his matchplay last night was simply unbelievable - I wouldn't care if he wore a nosering and thong......He has shown his determination to succeed at the highest level and this, coupled with a great team behind him is what we should be looking at.
Just remember that Andre Agassi had long highlighted hair and wore lycra leggings......

[Alex Smith]

We have a legend in the making here. English, Welsh, Scottish or Nothern Irish - we should all get behind this fantastic tennis player.

Come on Muzza!

[Claudia]

I am a big tennis fan and have been for many years enjoying watching as many matches as I can. However, when Andy Murray steps onto the court, I have to change the channel. Nothing to do with nationalities whatsoever, the guy is simpply so annoying it puts me off watching a game I love. He can play as well as he wants, I cannot see myself liking someone with his attitude towards sports and his opponents. Very disprespectful and arrogant on and off the court, and he expects to be taken seriously and be respected? Other top players are true sportsmen, something Andy Murray is not. He will never be a geat chamption like Federer or Nadal. Come on Roger for tonight!

[Sara]

All Scots do not like Murray. All Scots to not hate England. I find the assumption that we can be lumped as one an insult. I don't warm to Murray because of such comments about England (and because he is boring)but I am 100% Scottish and will support him tonight as much as I would support anyone from the UK.

[NM]

This attitude is because of his joke about supporting any team but england.

Trust me if you are Scottish you will understand - its been 42 years since England won the world cup but no matter who is playing John Motson still manages to mention 3 lions on the shirt, 1966 etc etc at every opportunity. It gets a bit wearing hearing it in EVERY game especially as England didnt even qualify for the Euros - still plenty of chances to mention the 66' glory days though eh?

Time to move on I think and show your patriotism - good luck Andy

[Will Duffay]

Good luck to the lad, but he's Scottish and not a product of the LTA, so his success has nothing to do with England. Given that, I'd prefer Federa to win.
The Scots are the ones wanting to break the Union, so they can't have it both ways. They want to be separate, so the English can support any tennis player they choose.

[Pacha]

I didn't realise that Andy Murray was competing in a popularity contest? His looks and attitude towards us English are of no consequence.

[simon s]

He is only the 3rd Brit to reach a Slam final in over 70 yrs (altho Rusedski should not really count as he did not change to British nationality until he was 22, 4 yrs after turning pro) - so who cares if he´s a bit surly ?!!! He´s very mentally tough and easily the most talented British player since Fred Perry. He is going up the world rankings faster than Federer did at the same age. Just get behind him ! He outplayed Nadal yesterday and he will win a Slam sooner or later !

[A Mahmood]

The simple fact is that whatever his appearance or personality his tennis is brilliant. I like the guy, his confidence, self-belief is evident whenever he walks out onto the court. He always believes he can win. Who knows what Tim Henman could have done if he had Murray's belief in his own abilities. Murray will never be as well loved as Henman until he wins at Wimbledon.

The fact that he said that the US Open is his favourite grand slam certainly won't have endeared him to middle English tennis supporters who consider Wimbledon the holy grail. I'd rather win the US open five times in my career rather than have one solitary Wimbledon victory and be considered a one slam wonder. I'm sure Murray has the same mindset.

[ptw]

Andy Murray is a proud Scot, and it seems that most of England doesn't like him because of this. Why should he care, when it seems that most of the rest of the World have no love for the English? Play well Andy, play proudly...

[rob]

Come off it - much if not all the English dislike of Murray stems from his comment about 'anyone but Ingerland' at wimby 96. If anyone is still harbouring any doubts about the fact that this was a joke, click on the following link and refer to the second part of the article.

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1033143/Des-Kelly-Federer-8217-s-winner-taking-defeat-like-man-son.html

[SN]

The main reason many people haven't warmed to Murray is because the British press hype him up so much. It's a tad nauseating to read about how he's one step away from greatness, when other players in the same situation (i.e. players who have reached their first grand slam final such as Tsonga) are not lauded nearly as much. Yes, Murray did reach his first grand slam final at age 21, but by age 21, Nadal had won 3 French Opens and been to 2 Wimbledon finals.

[NM]

If you are Scottish you will understand Murray's joke. No need to dislike the guy - show some patriotism.

Its 42 years on and still John Motson and co. refuse to let go of the world cup victory. Doesnt take much to prompt them, the sight of a red top in a crowd at any game and off they go muttering about the glory days of 66', 3 lions on the shirt etc etc. Even when England failed to qualify for the Euro's 1966 was mentioned in every game.

Time to move on and give Murray a break!

[Martyn Davies]

Murray is the tennis equivalent of his compatriot, Colin Montgomerie. He'll blame everything and everybody bar himself for losing and will never win a major.

[A Mahmood]

How is Murray not respectful to opponents? Give me one recent example when he has insulted his opponent. He is not as cheery as Djokovic or Federer but he has immense respect for the top three players in the world. He might swear and get angry but so did John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors and Illie Nastase. But everybody loves them now. By all accounts he is one of the nicest guys to meet around the tour and in the last year his attitude has changed for the better.

[Phil]

I'm Northern Irish and British and very proud of it. To be able to be associated in any way - even just as a supporter - with the GB Olympic team or Andy Murray or yes, even the Scottish, Welsh and English (take it for granted my first team is Northern Ireland!) football teams is an honour. We should support success which ever of the 4 parts of the United Kingdom it comes from.

[Betty Chesterfield]

Murray is a Tennis Player--he is good-he goes out to win- why would we not support him/ He is a Scot --lovely. Half the Football teams in the premiership do not have BRITISH players;so it cannot be is country of origin. Surely it cannot be that he is not so popular here because he tires to win!!!

[james walker]

One should not judge a book by the cover. However, when you look at the strong, athletic, fit and healthy body of Nadal and then look at the unshaven, pale and dull Murray it is hard not to favour Nadal. Murray should never be forgiven for his comments about England.Perhaps Brown can offer him a position in the Cabinet and he will serve less double faults than Darling!I never had any ill feelings to the Scots until their recent campaign to distance themselves from England.Murray is uninspiring, lacking in charachter and unexciting....does this not define Scotland?

[Callum]

I think some of these posts are unbelievable small minded and laughable, a joke (albeit ill advised) which he was basically duped into telling still being used against him!

In terms of his appearance, demeanour etc - get a grip - he is a 21 yr old boy!!!

I think you'll find Federer, who is now being held up as some sort of saint was long known to be an 'enfant terrible' in his younger days and was particularly obnoxious on court!

As a Scot, i'm loving his success - just like I always enjoyed Henman's runs at SW19. Difference is I think AM is a GENUINE contender

Well done Andy! Do us proud son!

[owngoal]

Mr. Murray's the best thing to happen in British tennis for decades. Who the hell cares where he's from and why?

[Steve]

Nationalism is such a wonderfully progressive movement, isn't it.

[Lorna M]

Murray's comment about the English football team was unfortunate, but all should know it was banter in response to the taunting question 'so will you be supporting Scotland in the world cup'

He seems a very typical Scotsman in his attitude to English sports, not supporting English players or teams thanks to the crazy hyping of the press.

Why would he have an English girlfriend if he was anti-English. I thought it was the Scots who were supposed to have a chip on their shoulders, but it seems the other way around when it comes to Murray.

He is a serious, focussed athlete with as far as I have ever heard very strong respect for his peers. come on, he's not in a popularity contest.

And as long as he wins matches I'm sure he doesn't care 2 hoots about English public opinion. And he won't win matches without absolute self-confidence which some may construe as arrogance.

[Dominic]

Some of the comments on this board are just plain daft. For those who keep comparing Murray to Henman - at Murray's age Henman was DISQUILIFIED from Wimbledon for hitting a ball in anger tht hit a ball girl....

Murray is an excellent sportsman who's growing into his skin. We should very very proud of his acheivement yesterday.

[St Andrew]

If England and Wales want to join in and enjoy Scotland's sporting success then that's fantastic. If not, I'm sure you'll find a tennis player eventually.

[Diana]

Is it just that he isn't posh enough (having been to Dunblane primary school) or is that he dared to go abroad at an early age to get better coaching & weather instead of the Lawn Tennis system that does not produce finalists? Murray is great & his grandma is proud of him!

[Tim]

I personally would support any of the home nations individuals or teams above those of any other nationality.
However, after Murray publicly announced that he would not support England, I feel somewhat indifferent about him. I think if he (Murray) wants the support of the home nations, he should be a bit more appreciative of his position as a British tennis player, not make rash comments in interviews, and appear more humble. That way he may win back some of the fans he has lost.

[Liz]

As someone who is part Scot, Murray's "nationality" is not an issue to me and should not be to anyone - after all, he is not playing for his country. His behaviour and appearance are singularly unattractive and compared to Nadal - who is only one year older - he shows his immaturity (vis: his ridiculous muscle-showing). If he ever grows up, he may become more popular.

[Charles Addison]

"Murray is uninspiring, lacking in charachter and unexciting....does this not define Scotland?"
Quite simply, NO! No one person - or stereotype - defines a people.

[Theo]

Andy played outstanding tennis last night - a good match to watch. Personally, I feel he could improve his on-court manners. He does use bad language quite often. McEnroe's tantrums either delighted or disenchanted: Borg's cool head either attracted admiration or disengagement. We all like different things, but it's great to see really good tennis - even better if it is played in a manner of good sportsmanship. Nadal does seem to have this - as did Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt never won over his countrymen quite as convincingly. Tonight, I'll hope for a great final, but expect to see Roger close it out, and be happy about that - British or not.

[Nemo]

As an Englishman who has never even been to Scotland on day trip, looks forward to the break-up of the Union and would never describe himself as British, I am fully behind Murray to win tonight. He's likeable, he's got a great game, and it's fantastic to see him mix it, and beat, players of the calibre of Nadal. Before last night Nadal had won 54 of his last 56 games - Murray didn't just beat him, he hammered him. I couldn't care less about his nationality. Come on Andy!

[Hugh]

I see - so we 'English' are supposed to not like Andy Murray because he is a Scot. I guess someone must have one very big chip on their shoulder. Although I am Australian by birth and inclination I may consider myself 'English' since being called such by a drunken Scot at Euston station a couple of months ago - although he prefaced the word 'English' with a few adjectives.

The English don't like Andy Murray because he is a bore and his behaviour is boorish - and I would say the same of any Australian player who behaved the same way. To suggest that he is just being 'Scottish' is to offend the good people of Scotland, my lowland Scots ancestors and the many kind and friendly Scots I meet each year when my family spend our annual two weeks in Caithness.

Ethnic or national origin has nothing to do with it. My wife and daughter go weak at the knees and blush every time they see Nadal on a tennis court and they are most certainly not Spanish.

[Fran Barrineau]

I have to agree that Andy Murray is not a very attractive or compelling player to watch but he plays brilliant tennis. Nadal is the perfect example of what tennis players should be: respectful, humble, courteous and passionate about the game in a positive way. I will be cheering for Federer but it is good to have another young player move up as it makes tennis more fun to watch. Will the young gun knock off the pro? Probably not but what fun!

[David]

He appears to be anti-English given his England football team comments, like many scots. If that comment was a joke it's perhaps the only one he seems to have made publicly.

I was once told by an educated very highly paid scot (working and living of course in England for many years)that he felt like going out and beating up an englishman after watching Braveheart!

Murray did not seem to give 100% in the Olympics - perhaps because he was representing Britain?

He pointedly wears blue and white without any red to be seen.

Why should the English support him?

[Richard, UK]

I'm hoping for a Federer win - nice to see a gentleman take the prize!

[dave]

All the best Andy win tonight and you still wont be the BBC sport personality of the yaer.

Middle England will see to that but so what !
Were all proud of you.

[Pete]

Murray is loved by the Scots just as Tim was by the English Home Counties (and BBC execs). The rest of (us) English took Henman with a pinch of salt as he had little engaging personality but clearly was a decent bloke and fine player. He's young, so he will hopefully come out of himself, but I'm afraid Murray is currently the same as "Tiger Tim" ... a little bit boring when off the court. Hence widespread diffidence to the two of them out of their heartlands.

[LEE , AIRDRIE]

I am disgusted by some of the comments posted against Andy Murray - the most talented British Tennis Player in The Modern Era.
This is young,raw,dedicated and outstandingly talented Athlete.
REMEMBER HE IS 21 YRS OLD - IS IT SO WRONG THAT HE HAS A BIT OF AN ATTITUDE ON COURT, THAT IS WHAT WILL MAKE HIM A GRAND SLAM WINNER AND FUTURE NO 1
If you hypocrites bothered to read into the Anti-English comments he made, you would have found out the question was a set up by the journalist - whereby the comments where made in jest and edited to suit.
For all you out there who will not be supporting the lad because of this you should be ashamed of yourselves.
GOOD LUCK ANDY, ALL OF SCOTLAND AND MOST OF THE UK WILL BE SUPPORTING YOU APART FROM THE MINDLESS IDIOTS

[Rovel]

Murray is a decent tennis player - that much is evident. He will, of course, lose to Federer tonight - he simply isnt good enough yet - time will tell if he ever gets there! The fact that he is a Scot is quite irrelevant - his problem with the public at large is his totally slovenly appearance and his moronic behaviour and attitude both on and off court.
He should wait until he is old enough to grow a proper beard and get rid of that laughable bumfluff from his face - he should try to learn to talk like a human and leave the mono-syllabic drawl to the Americans - he should stop the bicep bulging exhibition as many others will have bigger ones than him, and perhaps the odd smile to his fans now and again would work wonders. I know he is young but he has had a lot of money thrown at him to get him where he is now and he should respect that. He may well turn out to be a great player - I hope he does - but just now he comes across to the audience very badly indeed.

[Tommy]

I am a Welsh, my wife Scottish and our children English. Our grandaughter can play for any of three nations (she could also marry an Irishman) We have the usual good natured 'rivalries' over Sport but are British when the occasion arises. Ignore the pathetic media and their unbelievable reporting of the 'sportsperson' involved. Ignore also the cynical writing of the Ireland, Scotland and Wales football matches which appear far too often. Andrew Murray has quality and to get to the Final is fantastic. WHY do the press criticise Hamilton, Murray, Poulter, etc - it's cheap headlines.
Stop whinging - 'Proud to be British' and as proud to be Welsh with last year's Grand Slam.
Tommy
England

[Danny]

Re AM's comments on England in the footie; why would he support another team when his own team are knocked out?

I, like many Scots, do not support England automatically when it comes to the sports that the Scots have teams (ie football, rugby), but i DO support England in sports that we don't have (a really credible) team ie cricket.

I believe that most English do not support Scotland (or Ireland, or wales) automatically, when their team is knocked out of a tournament; why on earth should they?

[Danny]

oh, and P.S.- at the very least, AM is a CHARACTER (love him or hate him)- there are so many totally bland 'celebrities' out there that someone with a bit of personality is refreshing.

[Rovel]

Sorry Danny - did you say PERSONALITY ?? That is probably the biggest thing thay he has NOT GOT !

[F Campbell]

Ha Ha does Andy Murray care what the English press write about him? Of course not, doesn't give a toss and it is that attitude which will make him a great champion.

[Moira]

Gosh well done David Space, you must have been busy to get around the whole of Scotland in order to know what "most other Scottish" people feel and think.

So much mindless stereotyping and so many generalisations on all sides. It's embarrassing.

By the way - it is only a tennis match .......

[catherine cohen]

I am a Scot and heartijy disliked Murray s attitude. However I was entranced last night by his performance and can see an enormous difference in his play and on court behaviour.
Just a wee point: He should learn to dress like Federer or Djokavic.
His old baggy Fred Perrys look awful. Maybe he gets them for nothing! But then Addidas et al are not going to sponsor someone looking such a mess.

[Michael Devine]

To all those offended at the percieved anti-England comments, can I ask them who they were supporting in Euro 2008? England?

[M Miller]

I thought it was the Scots who didn't like the English? seesm to be the other way around. I wonder how many of them dislike Wayne Rooney for the same reasons, probably not many! In Scotland we love Andy and hate the English football team. Doesn't mean to say we hate the English though..

[A Dhir London]

Murray is now a serious contender for grand slam titles, regardless of the outcome in today's final. I don't think the English/British should think to judge whether they like Murray or not. At the end of the day he is winning the big matches with a powerful diverse game. Bear in mind he is only 21, character and personality on and off the court tends to improve with experience on the tennis circuit.

What matter's is he is good for the game of tennis. If yesterday's result inspires you to pick up a racket, then Andy Murray is good for British tennis which is the most important point. All those who are regular players of the game, know the talent Andy has and should be proud, baking him all the way!

[Lily]

I shall be rooting for Roger Federer, as I have for many years.
As others have said , it is not just the quality of the tennis, but s with other great champions, Nadal, Agassi, Rafter and many others, it is the whole package, including an atttractive personality. Andy murray doesn't appeal to me in any way.
I am not nationalistic by temperament and see no reason to support him.
I don't get this 'proud scot' thing.
It is an accident of birth after all.
I don't remember Tim Henman, or the media, going on about him being English, of draping himself in the Englsh flag. He was always British and this is probably gets up people's noses about AM!

[anne marsden]

Roger Federer is a wonderful, polite young man. In contrast Andrew Murray is a common, scruffy ,young man and like a lot of British men needs a decent hair cut and something doing about his teeth and choice of clothes.
A.Marsden. Ex pat.

[Phil Jones]

Why should the English love this surly brat, he is Scot first and maybe British, and by what has been demonstrated by some of the posters on here both are the enemies of the English Come on Roger

[Pat]

Murray is a great player. Period. If you don't want him, then we Americans will be happy to take him off your hands.

[Rob]

So what if Murray flex's a bicep, Nadal has his on show constantly, and is always fist pumping? so how is that different to Murray flexing to prove doubters who have said he is too weak for the game wrong! He is a great talent, and the only reason most English don't like him is beacuase he is not some Private School boy who is graceful in defeat. Tim Henman may have been a gentleman, but that is why he never won a grand slam, always happy to lose, as long as the English people loved him. Well i will take a born winner any day, someone with the desire to win, who won't take second place with a smile on his face.. Andy Murray will be a Tennis Legend wether small minded English Middle classes warm to him or not, he pretty much like me, probably couldn't care less if they liked him. Oh and as for the Scot's having a chip on there shoulder, I am a Scot who has lived in England for over 28 years, I don't support England, like I don't support Ireland or Wales, I dont make it obvious and shout it from the roof tops, but I have taken abuse and beatings from English thugs just for being Scottish after England lose at something, so sorry I will be supporting one of BRITAIN and SCOTLANDS best atheletes tonight.. COME ON ANDY! WE BELIEVE!!

[Andrew Smith]

Of course there can be no compulsion on the English to like AM. Just like all Scots don't automatically like. However what with being at no.4 in the world ranking and in a Grand Slam final at 21 there should be a lot more respect for his outstanding achievements to date. Murray represents himself not his country (excluding Davis Cup). Nationality is only one aspect to Murray I just wish that people would forget his teenage antics and respect him for being the fine man he has blossomed into in 2008

[Phil Jones]

Oh dear Rob at 15:51, English thugs, abused and beaten for anything, why don't you throw racist in as well?, not being fallacious are we, you sound very balanced with a chip on both shoulders, bonnie Scotland awaits your return.

[Victor]

The problem with Andrew Murray is that he does not appear to enjoy playing tennis: he looks very annoyed to be playing at all, as if the whole thing is a punishment. The fact is he is trying so hard, and taking it all so seriously that he has no time to think of how to be charming. Hopefully, once he has actually won a grand slam tournament he will relax and consider his wardrobe, hair and manners. Just now he is totally focussed on winning, and who can really blame him: forcing his talent to the limit is a ferociously difficult thing to do.

[Thomas]

Would it infuriate you Brits to know that on CBS' coverage of the tournament here in the USA, they show the Union Jack next to Murray's name? Why do you guys hold on so strongly to this distinction between England and Scotland? Aren't you all part of one country? (Please spare me the dumb American sneers - I know generally the history of how England and Scotland came together).

[Ian]

The fact that any discussion about Murray automatically turns into a nationalist slanging match between the knuckle-draggers on both sides suggests that Murray will never be universally loved in the UK. It's a shame because his tennis is breath-taking at times. He not only out-muscled Nadal, he also left him sucking air - have you ever seen anyone do that to Nadal? Murray is Scottish first and British next - was Henman any different with his allegiance?
It might do a few people well to reflect back to when they were a teenager - where you a model of diplomacy and politeness? Let's judge him on his tennis and not on a throw away joke (and it was a joke, though perhaps misplaced) he made with Henman when he was 19.

Murray has shown he is the real deal and I for one was punching the air when he put Nadal away and will be hoping he does the same to the Fed.

[Andry]

Murray may be a good tennis player he achieved a lot at his young age. Now he should take the chance to grow up, drop his childish manners and behave like a sportsman; he needs some teaching from Federer!

[Robert Logie]

If you don't want to support him... don't support him! He's always intelligent and respectful about opponents, candid about his own performances..

I absolutely love the cretinous comments about "not being turned out well", "common"... this is IRRELEVANT in the extreme.

Hilarious.

Come on Murray!

[SM]

Andy's nationality is totally irrelevant. The reason the vast majority of people I know dislike him is because of his surly miserable attitude. He seems lacking in sportmanship and is generally abit of a prat. This has nothing at all to do with him being Scottish. Couldn't personally stand Henman either for that matter.

Just because someone is British doesn't mean we should automatically feel obliged to support them. I will be supporting Federer tonight - a wonderful sports legend both on and off the court!

[Braes of Glenmiller]

I don't care if he is loved or not. He is a fantastic competitor and sportsman.

I'm Scottish and I'm sorry if he isn't an all upper middle class Home Counties cream teas loving plucky loser. He can't change that.

He may not win this time but when he loses he goes away and plots for the next time.

Do it for Scotland, Great Britain, and yourself boy.

[Mike]

I think his completely unnecessary petulance on the court (as seen in the previous rounds) does not help him. Nor the abysmal showing at the Olympics. Could his poor preparation have something to do with the lack of money at stake in Beijing. Would he have been so ill prepared for Wimbledon or the US Open???

[colin blues]

THOMAS - while informing everyone about the GB flag, in an attempt to wind up more trouble, why do you now also mention how John McEnroe and the other commentator always refer to him as a Scot. I have been watching CBS too sir!!

[Phil Jones]

If Chris Hoy could play tennis as well as Murray everybody would love him, a real gent and positive role model perhaps Chris could give Rab C Nesbitt jnr some lessons.

[Jennie Fletcher]

Why do people have such a negative attitude to a young man who has done nothing but work very hard to develop his enormous talent and give us all such amazing tennis since he arrived on mainstream 3 years ago. I, for one, have been enchanted by the way showed such positive energy at beating great names in his first major Wimbledon and have been following his progress with joy ever since. His interview style is one of quiet understatement - he is a tennis player, not a TV personality. I don't care what he wears, or how he has his hair. It's his exciting tennis that counts.

[d Corbet]

Andy Murray shows great spirit and determination to reach his dreams. His ability to play great tennis is outstanding. He has lots of personality and this is what drives him. I think we all should be proud of this young man and stop trying to analyse him. He was born in Scotland but represents Britain and thats as complicated as it should get. Well Andy I'm proud of your achievements. I wish you well in the future.

[Huntly Loon]

For those Britons who are not happy to back Andy Murray in a grand slam final will no doubt be equally keen not to cheer him on (or his brother Jamie) in the Davis Cup when they represents Great Britain. Maybe then those posters will be pleased to come on these forums and plead any team but Great Britain.

[Rod Garr - USA]

Federer: 6-0 6-0 6-0.....send Murray the Scot packing! Arrogant and anti-English! Federer has always been a gentleman!

[Doug McDonald]

Tim who? Oh, that English gentleman whose fist pump wouldn't have frightened a flea. Hardly a Connors, McEnroe or Becker was he? Andy Murray is not like your average, whimpy but plucky, Brit loser. He's single minded, forthright and aggressive and, rather like some of the aforementioned names (except Kitten Tim of course), a winner. Who cares if he doesn't support the English football team. 99% of Scotsmen don't. Further, from many Englishmen I know, not a lot of them do either following their abyssmal, embarrassing performances. Come Andy, we don't care if you look like someone down the local municipal tennis courts in your Poundstretcher outfit- do it for yourself.

Above someone comments "i dont get this proud scottish thing" - here is the fact in itself...there is a HUGE amount of national pride in Scotland. I am a Scot, and my beautiful country and wonderful countrymen have proved a great influence in much of what I do...for this great sportsman, it is, im sure, the same...he is Scottish, he is representing Britain, but never should he be expected to suppress his national pride.
As for his scruffy appearance, i'd rather he was working hard on his tennis than combing his hair...he is a great player and perhaps if Britain started to care for him, he may care for them.

[DStone]

Andy Murray is true to his heritage - a fiery Scot in the Braveheart tradition. Not surprisingly, John McEnroe also of Scottish extraction, appears to be mightly impressed by this aspect. The sort of fight and spunk that Murray displays are necessary attributes to rise to the top in todays ultra-competitive tennis world. I alway's felt that Tim Henman's typically English reserved nature held him back from achieving his full talent.
The interesting question is whether the English can accept a fiery Scot as a flagbearer for Britain!!

[Titania]

Tennis seems to have largely transcended nationalism - which is one of its great appeals. We love a Nadal, a Federer, an Edberg or Agassi, a Borg, an Ivanisovic, just because we love their skill, grace, courage, character strengths - country unimportant. Supporting Murray just BECAUSE he is Scottish/British divides us. He played an outstanding match against Nadal - and he has shown character to come back from sets down in the matches leading up to the final. He makes it clear that winning is everything. Winning may indeed be everything, but I think how you win is also important. You have to be tough to win, but not rude. Andy richly deserves praise for how he is playing. If he matures a little on the court, he'll win more hearts and minds. Wider support comes from communicating something heroic and inspirational to people who don't even know you - and this is why so many people seem to like Nadal. Perhaps in time, Andy can discover ways to do that, too.

[Dominic]

There are some astonishingly ignorant comments on here. All racism is built on ignorance; but, my God, are some of the people commenting here mentally subnormal? Is this the kind of readership that the Thunderer courts?

Shame on Britain that we are so ill-educated and backward as to behave in such a fashion.

And good luck to Andy Murray. He is remarkably well-balanced for somebody coming in for such (unjustified) abuse. The best player we have produced in decades.

[Drew Malinson]

Murray represents everything to despise about the Scots; ugliness, surliness, scruffiness, impertinence, unsociability, and quite simply lack of good character. The English will never take to him for these very reasons.

[Joan]

I think Murray will win tonight because on this occasion he will be the better player; this has nothing to do with whether or not he is British. However, I shall be cheering for Federer as he is a wonderful ambassador for Tennis. Perhaps Murray will not always appear so much the dour Sctsman.

[Sarah]

I'm half Welsh, half English and I adore him! The best British player we have had for years and years - even if he doesn't win this next match, there is plenty more to lookf forward to from him. I think he is a real nice guy and couldn't be prouder to have him represent us all - go for it Murray!

[Tennis fan]

It's the fact that he is completely unsportsman-like, bad-tempered, arrogant, permanently snarling and completely unlikeable that makes us not warm to him. Forget the nationality, learn some good behaviour like the other players, not difficult.

[Christopher]

Rob @ 15.51: I'd rather be a gentleman and lose than a churl and win... what's the point of being a winner if you don't have any manners?

I'm half Scottish, but despite that simply cannot warm to Murray at all. If only he seemed to enjoy himself a bit more, if only he would smile once in a while, if only he didn't come across as having a pretty arrogant streak when winning, if only he was more sporting when losing...

So, I'm shouting for Fed (who - like the great Rafa - captures all the best values of sport in general and tennis in particular) tonight, I'm afraid!

[Marianne]

For those who express mystification about why it matters how someone "looks" on the tennis court, consider how televisual tennis now is, how much prime time TV coverage it gets. This is how players communicate with spectators and viewers. I agree that Murray's image is in need of a consultant - tidy him up, and please stop him snarling all the time - otherwise it really doesn't matter how good he is. I can't get behind a visibly bad-tempered player who is always sulking. For now, let's say he'd be a greater star by far in a radio age!