John McEnroe believes "the sky is the limit" for rising British star Andy Murray.
The American legend, a three-time winner at Wimbledon, has always been one of the Scot's biggest fans and has watched his progress at the SAP Open in San Jose this week from close quarters.
Murray's world ranking - 60 at the start of the week on the ATP list - should improve significantly and McEnroe believes the 18-year-old will soon eclipse Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski to be the country's top player.
"Is there a changing of the guard in British tennis? I think there is," said McEnroe, who will be one of the star attractions when the Merrill Lynch Tour of Champions gets underway next month.
"I predicted a few months ago that Murray would be in the top 20 around Wimbledon and I think there is an excellent chance of that happening. You see a guy like Murray and you see the potential that is there.
"The sky is the limit, it really is. A lot of the time there is hype and people talking about players when deep down they know it's not going to happen, but this time you have a guy that is really capable of being a great player.
"He has a way of keeping you off balance, he has a feel for the game and he's playing with the most confidence he has ever had."
McEnroe acknowledges that Murray has had his problems - last summer he seemed to struggle to stay the course in five-set matches, but believes greater experience and the good work of coach Mark Petchey has improved his game enormously.
"The issue with him is probably more physical than mental," added McEnroe, who recently turned 47.
"Mentally he has proven to be a pretty tough customer and his body has grown as well recently. He doesn't seem to need a whole lot of help. Mark Petchey is doing a great job but Andy believes in himself and his attitude is something that I like. He plays hard, he shows a lot of emotion and he's a breath of fresh air. The type of player we need on the circuit."
Both McEnroe and Murray have made it to the last four in San Jose.
McEnroe and doubles partner Jonas Bjorkman, playing together in the SAP Open on a one-off basis to bring attention to the ATP's Doubles Revolution campaign, beat Ashley Fisher and Tripp Phillips 6-1 7-5, while Murray overcame Robin Soderling in three tough sets to set up a tough semi-final clash with Andy Roddick.
Murray lost the first set to Soderling and was a break down in the second as he looked to be heading for a quick exit.
However, Murray rallied for a courageous 4-6 7-5 6-4 victory.
Murray, who has still to win his first ATP tournament, lost to world number one Roger Federer in his only career final in Bangkok last year.
"I started off pretty badly," Murray admitted.
"I had a late-night match on Thursday and I didn't get to sleep 'til about 11 o'clock. I returned pretty well in the last two sets."
The reason why McEnroe likes murray so much is probably because there has never been a player so much like Mcenroe since he left the tennis scene. He has the same passion, determination and raw talent. He also has the occasional outburst like Mr McEnroe...now he just needs to have the same success
I like the fact that he has said this in the USA. He said pretty much the same thing during Wimbledon, and the Murray-bashers said he was only saying it because he was employed by the Beeb at the time and had to say what they would like to hear. LOL!! As though Mac would care a hoot about that - when has he ever been tactful?!
I like the fact that he has said this in the USA. He said pretty much the same thing during Wimbledon, and the Murray-bashers said he was only saying it because he was employed by the Beeb at the time and had to say what they would like to hear. LOL!! As though Mac would care a hoot about that - when has he ever been tactful?!
