Tennis blog: Murray will fall short

After winning his first two matches with ease, many people will be jumping on the Andy Murray bandwagon, claiming the Australian Open will be the young Scot's first ever Grand Slam title.

Murray is one of the favourites, but has yet to be tested and, as we all know, British players have a tendency to bottle it when the going gets tough. Step forward Tim Henman.

There are still doubts over Murray's ability to follow through against the top players in the world over five sets. It's all very well beating world number 1141 Andrei Pavel, but if he wants to win in Melbourne he will have to go the distance with heavyweights Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Although the British Number 1 beat Marcel Granollers in straight sets, the Spaniard still managed to break Murray's serve and forced him to come from behind in other service games. Murray will not have that luxury against the big boys and, unless he improves his concentration, it will be another Grand Slam disappointment for British tennis.

Will Andy Murray win his first major or is it still a step too far for the young Scot? Send in your views below.

2009 sporting predictions... Your view

Optimism is always high at the start of a new year, not least in the world of sport where men and women the world over hope 2009 will realise all their dreams.

We've picked out a selection of sporting punts for the forthcoming year, from an Andy Murray Grand Slam success to England winning the Ashes which you can check out by clicking here.

But we want to know what you think will happen in 2009. Who will be the rising star in your favourite sport? Who will flop? Will England continue to fire under Fabio Capello? Will Kevin Pietersen lead his team to glory against Australia? Using the boxes below, tell us what your crystal ball is revealing to you.

Heroes and villains... Your view

We've picked five heroes and five villains from the 2008 sporting year, but left plenty of names in the jar labelled 'possible'.

Who do you think should be included? Read our list by clicking here and then send in your thoughts using the boxes below.

Tennis blog: Hail the new McEnroe

No British tennis player has divided public opinion more than Andy Murray.

His critics argue that he's too brash and too moody to be a true tennis great. And, it's got to be said, some say he's too Scottish for his own good.

Murray's quip about "supporting anyone but England" in the 2006 World Cup was viewed as a massive PR gaffe and greeted with disdain in some parts south of the Border.

But now this feisty street-fighter of a player has confounded his critics by matching the world's best at the US Open.

It comes as no surprise that Murray's done it in New York, where as a raw 17-year-old he won the US junior title four years ago.

While Tim Henman was inspired by the ivy-clad haven of Wimbledon, Murray loves the Big Apple to its very core. He scowls and simmers like the best New Yorker of them all - John McEnroe.

And, like McEnroe, he has an all-round game that can be a joy to watch, full of tactical subtlety and exquisite touch.

Since changing his coaching team, Murray has bulked up and wised up. These days he plays and, when in the mood, talks a good game, again just like McEnroe.

So let's treasure this unruly talent, even if it has more in common with the bright lights of Manhattan than with the manicured lawns and stuffed shirts of SW19.

Do you agree? Is Murray just another gallant British loser, or a Scottish McEnroe destined for true greatness? Send in your thoughts via the boxes below.

Is Amir Khan ready? Your views...

Amir Khan extended his unbeaten record last night after a resounding victory over Martin Kristjansen at the Bolton Arena.

Khan won via a seventh round stoppage after flooring the experienced Dane three times before the referee called a halt to the bout.

The 21-year-old dominated the fight and never looked in danger after delivering a mature performance that brings him one step closer to the world title.

Khan has everything required to be a world champion. Incredible physique and unbelievable hand speed along with strength, punching power and accuracy.

So now it’s time for Khan to step up to the plate and see what the Olympic silver medalist is all about. Give him the shot at Nate Campbell’s WBO lightweight belt and we’ll see how good this kid really is.

What did you think of Khan’s performance last night? Is he the real deal or are there still question marks over his ability? Let us know by adding your comments in the boxes below.

Sporting strops... Your View

After Robbie Keane and Shane Long threw their shirts to the floor in disgust having being substituted during away defeats with Tottenham and Reading respectively, we began thinking of other sporting temper tantrums.

We've come up with a top ten which you can check out by clicking here. However, this list is far from exhaustive. You must have your own favourites which we've either forgotten about or chosen not to include. Send in your views using the boxes below.

Does Chambers deserve another chance?

Whatever the result in the final of the 60m at the World Indoors today, all the chat will be about Dwain Chambers, according to former hurdling world champion Colin Jackson in an interview with Orange.

And Jackson also insists Chambers has no place in Team GB and will prove a disruption and irritant to his fellow team-mates at the championships in Valencia, Spain.

But does the former drugs cheat deserve a second chance or should Chambers be banned from competing ever again for Team GB? Read our interview with Colin Jackson in full and post your comments below...

Haye v Maccarinelli...who will win?

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Londoner David Haye will step into the ring with Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli to see who will become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.

The fight at the London's O2 Arena is being billed as the biggest British contest since Nigel Benn's clash with Chris Eubank in 1993.

It should be a titanic battle between two heavy hitters but who's your money on? The "Hayemaker" or "Big Mac"? Let us know by adding you pre-fight thoughts and predictions below. Plus, don't forget to read what Maccarinelli's trainer Enzo Calzaghe has to say by clicking here.

Sporting villains... Your view

Dwain Chambers' convincing win in the World Indoor trials on Sunday, ensured his inclusion for the championships next month. But officials and pundits alike would rather the former drug cheat was not involved. One even asked the Sheffield crowd to boo him!

The controversy got us thinking of the most vilified sportsmen and women in sporting history - we've put together our top ten which you can read here.

We're also keen to get your input. Are there any 'villains' we've omitted? Should any of our ten not made the final cut? Using the boxes below, you can tell us your top ten or add in any of your own views.

Keegan back from the dead!!!!

What the hell is going on at Newcastle????? Last week they sacked Allardyce, then they sniffed around "good ole" Harry Redknapp, next the media start suggesting Keegan might be interested in returning, three minutes later he is settling down in his old leather chair. Has the place gone mad???

Keegan is a legend at Newcastle both as player and manager and the club have once again pandered to the fans who chant stuff outside the ground. But this is not a wise move. Short term fix maybe, long term they'll be looking for a new boss come the 08/09 season and Keegan will be back on a Spanish golf course. One thing Keegan likes to do is walk out when he doesn't think he can cut the mustard.

Granted he'll try and bring back attacking entertaining football and he'll have the crowd's ear, but football and the players have moved on since Keegan's managerial glory days. The problem with Newcastle is the players; overpaid, underworked and choc full of a lazy "so what" attitude. Newcastle is rotten and I don't think Keegan's emotional managerial style will solve this. Keegan might sob into his pillow over a 1-0 defeat at Derby, most of the players won't. Unless he clears the decks and brings in his own players and has time to nurture them he might stand a chance, good thing the Newcastle board are fantastic at giving managers time to settle in ;)

I wish him all the best and I really hope I'm proved wrong, but I just can't see this working.

What do you think? Post your comments below.