Wimbledon Betting / Maxliu / 21 June 2011 /

Golf fans are jubilant, tennis fans hopeful, but what can Andy Murray learn from Rory McIlroy's stunning victory at the US Open? Max Liu considers similarities and differences between the Irishman and the Scotsman.

Bouncebackability

After fluffing his victory chance at the US Masters back in April, Rory McIlroy showed immense steel to go all the way at Congressional. But the two-month road to recovery began far from Maryland. Just one week after choking at Augusta, the 22-year-old picked himself up and headed for Malaysia where he recorded a third place finish in a competitive contest. Following his Australian Open humbling against Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray took time out before enduring what was initially a torrid return.

Consistency

Both players are developing this at the same time. OK, Murray didn't win the French Open, but reaching the semi-finals at Roland Garros, on his least favourite surface, after what happened in Melbourne, means that, like Rory, our man is frequently in contention at the Slams.

Balls

McIlroy was intelligent and exacting at Congressional but he was also relentless, leading from start to finish, exuding confidence, never letting his performance dip below excellent. The sheer power of his display, as he rose to the occasion and its challenges, rather than being cowed, was scintillating. He teed off on Thursday determined to make amends and, over the final 36 holes, he relished the pressure. Murray must play on the front foot, take the game to the likes of Novak Djokovic - [4.9] to win Wimbledon - and Rafael Nadal [3.8], rather than defending from deep. To triumph [7.2], he must let the intensity and expectation of SW19 buzz through his racket strings, course through his shots.

Charm

The American crowd chanted the champion's name and he dedicated the win to his Dad Gerry, saying, "Happy Father's Day." Very nice, but Murray is popular across the pond too. If anything, his issues lie closer to home, with English fans who struggle with his perceived surliness and, dare I say it, Scottishness. But I like Scots and I like people who act their age. He was charming in his victory speech at Queens and the Henman-loving strawberries and cream crowd are beginning to be eclipsed by younger fans who value Andy's sincerity. If he wins, he will owe a lot to his Mum.

Surprise

After his win, McIlroy is up to fourth in world rankings, exactly the same position as Murray occupies with the ATP. The Irishman caught those rated above him by surprise at Congressional, speeding past them, announcing himself as the man to beat. Everybody knows what a huge talent he is but nobody was prepared for such an emphatic performance. Murray needs to bring the shock factor to SW19, knocking the likes of Nadal, Roger Federer [3.2], Djokovic off their perches before they know what's happened. Game on.

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