I can match big guns at Wimbledon, says Murray

Andy Murray today claimed he can mix it with the world's top three players at Wimbledon.

While the British No1 admits Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the favourites for the title at SW19, Murray is confident his hampered preparation will not stop him matching the best in the business. Nadal won the Artois Championships at Queen's yesterday with a 7-6, 7-5 victory over Djokovic, while Federer triumphed at the grass court event in Halle to cement the trio's position at the top of the men's game ahead of Wimbledon, which starts on Monday. But Murray said: "When I play my best I can play at the same level as those guys. It's just a matter of doing that consistently over five sets.

"Even Federer struggles to play at the level Nadal's playing at - you saw that at the French Open when he lost in the final.

"But I can get to that level. It's just a case of being able to maintain it for long enough. I think I am going to be seeded in the top 12 [at Wimbledon] which makes a big difference as I will miss the top guys for the first three or four rounds.

"I didn't see Federer play in Halle but he pretty much strolled through the tournament. He's still the favourite for Wimbledon."

The Scot was forced to withdraw from his quarter-final against American Andy Roddick at Queen's last week with a thumb injury but is set to continue his build-up to the third Grand Slam of the year at the Boodles Challenge event in Berkshire, which begins tomorrow.

"My thumb is all right," said Murray. "I am hoping to practise a little bit this afternoon but it feels way better than it did a few days ago. It's just a small bit of bruising rather than anything else."