Beckham hails rising star Murray

Beckham attended the Madrid Masters this week

David Beckham has saluted the emergence of rising British tennis star Andy Murray, calling him "one of Britain's best young sportsmen".

"We've obviously got Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, but to have Murray coming through is great for our country," Beckham said.

"I think Murray is great, and it's going to be exciting watching him develop as a player.

"I think he's one of Britain's best young sportsmen."

Murray marches on

Beckham, who was a spectator at this week's Madrid Masters, said he had been monitoring Murray's phenomenal progress in recent months.

He believes the 18-year-old Scot will cope with the pressure of shouldering British hopes in the coming years.

"From watching him, I don't think that'll be a problem in his career," Beckham added.

"I've seen his mother talk on the TV and and I think he's got strong parents behind him, and that's what you need when you start out as a sportsman."

Murray's mother Judy, who manages his affairs, acknowledged Beckham's praise for her son's feats.

"It's great for Andy to know that David Beckham is a tennis fan," she said.

"He will be flattered that one of the world's most famous footballers is taking an interest in him."