Who’s Murray? Kids pick Henman and Becker

As the British media works itself into another tizzy over Andy Murray's chances of Wimbledon glory and the huge boost it would have on UK tennis, a sobering survey has revealed just how deep-rooted the next generation's ambivalence to the sport really is.

Almost one in 10 youngsters in Britain think Boris Becker – the 43-year-old German who quit the game over a decade ago – is currently the best tennis player in the world, according to a study by AXA.

Similarly, eight per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed believed Tim Henman, who only ever reached fourth in the world rankings and retired in 2007, is today's top male player. Less than half of respondents chose the correct answer: Rafa Nadal.

While Henman – a man better known for his Robinson's fruit squash adverts than his ability to reach Grand Slam finals – may well enjoy the ego boost, the UK survey reveals a worrying disinterest in tennis.

The cause, AXA's survey goes on to suggest, may well be a lack suitable facilities. One in five British youngsters surveyed said their local area didn't have the facilities to learn tennis. A further 16 per cent thought the game was simply too expensive.

Furthermore, more than one in three British kids said they didn't play tennis because the sport wasn't focused on at school in the same way football was. It will take a lot more than an Andy Murray Wimbledon triumph to alter this stark reality. ·