Federer - Murray can win Wimbledon

Roger Federer has not turned up for second prize but if he cannot win another Wimbledon title he would love Andy Murray to walk away with the trophy.

Beaten in the 2009 and 2010 semi-finals, by Andy Roddick and then Rafael Nadal, it might be Murray's destiny to triumph and end Britain's long wait for a men's singles champion, which stands at 75 years but whereas he has reached a final at the US Open and two at the Australian Open, in his 'home' grand slam Murray has fallen frustratingly short.

"It would be great if he were to win the tournament. I think that's the mindset of many people, and himself as well," Federer said. "So I don't think people are getting too ahead of themselves. I think it's more the media expecting him to finally win a grand slam. (Ivan) Lendl lost many grand slam finals before he won his first."

Federer is right. Lendl was runner-up four times before finally making his breakthrough at the 1984 French Open, shortly after turning 24, and the Czech won eight grand slams.

Murray had his 24th birthday last month, and Federer said: "I think he's way good enough to win a grand slam. To me it's just a matter of time.

"He'll definitely have, what, another eight years, 10 years of chances to win Wimbledon. It would be nice if he won it this year for him and the British fans."

It was a valiant attempt to preach patience to a nation which last had a man conquer Wimbledon in 1936, when Fred Perry triumphed, and Federer even saw another reason to believe Murray can live with the expectations.

"Well, he's not the defending champion, so he doesn't face that pressure," said the world number three of the world number four.

"Even though that would be a nicer pressure to face, I would think. That means you've already won the tournament."