Andy Murray will try to write the next chapter in his Wimbledon fairytale today.

John McEnroe has predicted a top 20 career for the 18-year-old lad from Dunblane, and yesterday his coach, Mark Petchey, insisted he could become bigger in British sport than England striker Wayne Rooney.

"England might not win the World Cup but if Andy wins here it's going to be even bigger. He could be the biggest sports star in the country."

Petchey, of course, was not talking about this year. But it was not difficult to see who was the focus of attention yesterday as the television cameras followed Murray's every move as he practised for today's second round match with No 14 seed Radek Stepanek.

The way he George Bastl in straight sets on his senior Wimbledon debut has only served to ratchet up expectations. "He played a wonderful match," said Petchey.

"His total focus is tennis. I know everybody wants the next Tim Henman to be here tomorrow and maybe he will be there quicker than we think, but a couple of years is probably reasonable."

As for now Petchey believes Murray has a chance of progressing deeper into the tournament if he can combat the gamesmanship for which Stepanek, of the Czech Republic, is renowned.

"That's one of the things I'm going to guard him against," admitted Petchey. "I've told him not to get irritated because he does do things to take your focus away from hitting tennis balls. He's a very difficult player to play against."