The last time a male tennis player won the Wimbledon Title was in 1936 when Fred Perry defeated Gottfried Von Cramm 6-1, 6-1, 6-0.  That moment was frozen in history for British Tennis fans and it is that memory that has offered them solace for over 73 years.  For the first time in three quarters of a century British fans have a reason to be hopeful.  Andy Murray, the young man from Scotland, is one of the top favorites to win the 2009 Wimbledon Mens Title.

There is a vast amount of pressure on Andy Murray right now.  The hopes and dreams of his countrymen hang in the balance of every set he plays.  On Wednesday Andy began his mission to bring the Wimbledon Title back to Great Britain.  His first obstacle, Robert Kendrick of the United States.  This match was not highly anticipated from the standpoint that Kendrick is ranked at 76th.  It was to simply be a warm up for more competitive matches down the line.  It developed into more of a warm up than Murray had anticipated.

After all, in previous matches against one another the Scot had easily defeated Kendrick 6-0, 6-0.  This day however the American came to play.  Although Kendrick played with fire and vigor and with the same determination that took him to 5 sets against Rafael Nadal 3 years earlier at Wimbledon in the end the Scot was to have his day.  Murray lost the second match but kept his composure and never gave up.  His competitor was running the court making amazing returns but Murray stood steady and answered each with his own heart and passion eventually winning the two and a half hour match 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.

Once again it is noted that on any given day a player or a team can play beyond their potential.  Kendrick played well beyond his ranking and although he fell in the end he earned the respect of his victor and the fans at Wimbledon.  Murray admitted that the match was tough but his confidence in himself was ever apparent.  His next match is against the Latvian hard hitter Ernests Gulbis and you can bet that Andy Murray will not take this match lightly.  The road to the 2009 Wimbledon Title will not be an easy one for Murray but he appears to be composed and prepared for the competition.  This could be the year that Britain has cause for celebration once again.  Until we meet again good betting and remember to always be a good sport.