Andy Murray might dominate British tennis but he’s happy to be a supporting story in days ahead at Wimbledon.
Murray’s ambitions lie at the business end of the tournament, as he seeks to regain the title he won in 2013, famously ending a 77-year wait for a home men’s champion.
But he hopes to be sharing some positive headlines in the opening days at the All England Club, with a healthy 15 British players making the main singles draws.
Murray, Aljaz Bedene, Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans are joined by Liam Broady, Alex Ward, James Ward, Brydan Klein and Marcus Willis, the world number 775, who came through qualifying in fairytale style.
Johanna Konta is seeded 16th, becoming the first British woman to get a protected place in the draw since Jo Durie 32 years ago.
And she is joined by Heather Watson, Naomi Broady, Laura Robson, Kate Swan and Tara Moore.
Murray even faces Davis Cup team-mate Broady in his first round match on Tuesday.
“British tennis feels pretty positive right now, it’s certainly not in a bad place but obviously you always want it to do better,” he said.
“Things are going in the right direction. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but it’s more positive than some of the years I’ve been here, for sure.
“If I’ve given them a little bit extra sort of incentive to work a bit harder or motivated them in any way, then I’m really happy about that.
“But ultimately they need to be the ones themselves that go out and win the matches, practice and train hard.
“That’s just sort of the culture you want in this sport in this country because that’s something that I think a lot of players, coaches, people that have been involved in the game feel like we’ve lacked that a bit in the past.
“Hopefully moving forward that will be something we do a little bit better.”
Murray is certainly not short of self-belief after his run to the French Open final in Paris and a record fifth victory at Queen’s Club last weekend.
And he’s quickly rediscovered his bond with coach Ivan Lendl, now back in his corner for the first time in two years.
“I don’t feel any added pressure working with him again,” added Murray.
“It actually gives me a bit of extra confidence, because I know last time we worked together, it was very successful. I trust in what he says.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started but it will be strange to play another British player, it’s never happened before for me. I know Liam fairly well. He’s a good guy and he works hard.”
