ANDY Murray feels he will start this year’s Wimbledon a much better player than when he exited at the quarter- final stage 12 months ago.

Murray’s last-eight defeat to Rafael Nadal in the 2008 tournament represents his best performance at SW19, but with his Spanish conqueror unable to defend his crown because of a knee injury, the British number one starts this year’s competition as one of the favourites for the title.

Last week’s success at Queen’s Club capped a fine 12 months that have seen Murray rise to number three in the world rankings, and as he prepares to start his campaign against American Robbie Kendrick this afternoon, the Scotsman feels he has never started Wimbledon fortnight in better shape.

“I have a lot more confidence in myself now,” said Murray, who is the highestranked player in the top half of the draw following Nadal’s withdrawal. “When the big points and important moments come in matches, I feel like I am going to win them.

“Whether or not my opponents feel that as well, I am not sure. I am just going into every match feeling and thinking exactly the same, not worrying about my opponents too much.”

His opponent this afternoon has not troubled him too much in the past, with Murray enjoying a 100 per cent record against Kendrick on the ATP circuit.

Their only meeting on grass resulted in a 6-0, 6-0 whitewash, but with Kendrick having taken Nadal to five sets at Wimbledon in 2006, Murray is taking nothing for granted.

“I’ve played him three times so I know a lot about him,” said Murray. “I’m not looking past him at all. He’s a tough grass-court player and proved that when he nearly beat Nadal here.

“He has a big game, plays very aggressively and takes a lot of chances."