Tim Henman backs Andy Murray to win his first grand slam in New York

British legend Tim Henman reckons that tennis ace Andy Murray is all set to win his first grand slam in New York this week.

“New York is a very different atmosphere to the other major tournaments, and I always enjoyed it as a grand slam,” the Telegraph quoted Henman, as saying.

Henman was beaten in the semi-finals in 2004 by Roger Federer, the same day Murray lifted the boys’ singles trophy at Flushing Meadows.

“For Andy, however, the biggest factor is the conditions. A fast hard court with a light ball is Andy’s best surface, because he doesn’t need to generate power himself, the court gives him that pace,” he said.

“He is such a good mover and such a good timer of the ball, which means he can turn defence into attack,” he added.

Murray has won 15 of his 18 titles on hard courts; he has reached his three grand slam singles finals on hard courts, the first in the heart of Flushing in 2008.

“Of course, one of the reasons Murray is able to play that way is his attention to fitness, and latterly, diet. He has always been in phenomenally good shape,” Henman said.

“He’s such a great athlete, but all the players keep getting fitter, stronger, faster,” he added.