Few people outside tennis circles had heard of the 22-year-old before his shock victories over Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis and Victor Hanescu this week, while Henman had not even seen him play.
Marray, on the other hand, has seen his achievements largely overshadowed.
The 23-year-old's victory over world No89 Christophe Rochus was his first tour success and he followed it up by beating fellow Briton Jamie Delgado in straight sets.
Unlike Flanagan, who has succeeded without assistance from the Lawn Tennis Association, Marray is earmarked as a future star and has been given the funding to improve his game.
Over the last year, he has broken into the top 300 with a ranking of 277 and was deservedly rewarded with wildcard entries for Queen's and Wimbledon. Henman added: "I haven't see Flanagan play at all, but I know Marray from the Davis Cup when I saw what a good prospect he is. His serve-and-volley game is good and will make him difficult to beat on grass."
While Flanagan, who is ranked 866, prepares to take on last year's Queen's runnerup Sebastien Grosjean, Marray faces an even more daunting opponent in 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt.
After securing a career-high pay cheque of £7,738 for reaching this stage, Marray has been content to let Flanagan hog the limelight, but the tables will be turned if he beats Hewitt.
The Sheffield-based player said: "I'm quite happy to carry on like now and let Ian do all the stuff with the press. I have a pretty simple game plan and that's to get to the net as soon as possible - that's where my strength is. I've won a couple of rounds here and I wasn't expected to do that so everything is a bonus."
Marray was part of the British Davis Cup squad for the tie with Luxembourg earlier this year, and added: "That helped a lot, especially when you get pointers on your game from Tim and Greg Rusedski."
Henman could have done with a few pointers of his own against Surbiton champion Beck. Playing his first match since the French Open semi-final, the 29-year-old was out of sorts in the first set and ultimately paid the price, losing 6-2, 3-6, 7-6.
He does not, however, fear the defeat will have any bearing on his Wimbledon chances.
After confirming wife Lucy is expecting their second child in December, Henman said: "It's disappointing but I am not going to dwell on it. The way I am playing is in a different league to last year." "
