Murray's Moody Mint
By Graham Davies

Let’s face it, Andy Murray’s manner is moody, chippy, brusque and rude. I will never coach him how to present himself in a more charming, accessible and likeable way. Although he could afford me.

I am delighted.

Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and John Lloyd are hugely affable and entertaining individuals, whatever social or public occasion they choose to grace.

But on court, there was something missing, especially at Wimbledon. When the going got tough, they got going ... out of the tournament.

By contrast, Murray’s sheer lack of grace is a key part of what makes him a winner. In Abu Dhabi this week, he beat both Federer and Nadal on his way to winning the Capitala World Tennis Championship crown. It is not the last time he will beat both in quick succession.

He will never learn to present himself properly. He will always project something dour, surly and irascible. But he will also win Wimbledon. And earn a great deal of money.

In the UK, we have a perverse affection for nice losers. I think it’s about time we started liking nasty winners.