Andy Murray's career stats shame every male British tennis player since the one whose name is in your polo shirt. He's climbed as high as number two in the ATP world rankings. Last year, he became only the seventh man in the Open era to make the semis of all four Grand Slams in a calendar year. He's reached the finals at Wimbledon, the US Open and two Australian Opens.
But... it doesn't need to be spelled out. Andy Murray's career stats look like the career stats of a nearly man. "Close," they seem to sneer, "but no cigar in the Champs' Lounge with Johnny Mac." However, facts and figures can be deceptive. Because Andy Murray has never looked more like a Grand Slam champion than he does now. For two sets of last weekend's Wimbledon final, he had the better of Roger Federer. Thereafter he was outplayed, but he didn't capitulate. That's no mean feat when you're across the net from the greatest player in history as he sniffs out one last hurrah.
What happened after match point feels just as significant. Andy Murray has just lost the biggest match of his career. So here comes Sue Barker, the colour of Caribbean holidays at Cliff's gaff, to stick a microphone in his face. Who can blame him for having a wee cry? But let's be serious for a second; those tears are telling. This is Andy Murray, a man as buttoned up as a spinster's cardigan, and he's completely betraying his natural reticence. He must really care. He must care enough to work even harder on the practice court so that next time, he goes one better.
Federer is 30 now and doesn't have long left. Rafael Nadal won't be challenging for Grand Slams when he's the same age - he has more problems with his knees than Liza Minnelli. Novak Djokovic remains an obstacle, but his infallible phase is probably over. No-one else on tour comes close. Murray can still get fitter and he can work on his consistency across a five-set match. Wimbledon 2013? He's got to be worth a bet - but don't count him out of the three Slams in the meantime.
