Murray has gone from world number 731 to world number three in five years
By Saj Chowdhury
Since turning professional in 2005, Andy Murray's feats in tennis have been nothing less than impressive.
At the age of 17, many witnessed the lithe Scot's raw talent for the first time but few would have dreamed that he would go on to seriously challenge for the Grand Slams and have the world number one spot as a credible target.
But what were once the realms of fantasy are now as real as hopes for a hot British summer, although he will have to wait a little longer for the prize the British public have been willing him on to achieve - a place in the Wimbledon final.
However, reaching this year's semi-finals at SW19 - where Murray lost to Andy Roddick - was no mean feat and he can build on that experience.
The world number three's rise up the rankings has not taken everybody by surprise, though.
"I've been impressed with Andy for several years," renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri told BBC Sport.
"He reminds me of my former pupil Andre Agassi because he has a mind of his own. I saw something special in Agassi and I see the same in Murray."
TEAM MURRAY
MILES MACLAGAN (Coach) Zambia-born Maclagan reached a career-high world ranking of 172 and played three Davis Cup ties for Britain
ROSS HUTCHINS (Training partner) "Hutch' is one of Murray's best friends in tennis and training partner
MATT LITTLE (Strength/conditioning) Responsible for fitness training, injury prevention and stretching routines
JEZ GREEN (Strength/conditioning) Plans Murray's fitness programme with Little
ANDY IRELAND (Physio) Helps with recovery after matches and training sessions as well as injuries
Bollettieri knows a thing or two about spotting talent having also seen Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters go through his doors at his tennis academy in the United States.
Speaking from his base in Florida, the suntanned 77-year-old revealed that he admired Murray because he decided to go against the grain of what was expected by some in British tennis.
"Murray has high vision, he's a gambler and not afraid to put it on the line," enthused the sprightly American.
"That is why he's where he is today. It's paid dividends, although it doesn't always work out.
"He is a street man, baby. He's learnt everything from the street. "He's not a book guy and that's why he's damn good and why he'll get better."
Someone who knows Murray better than most is Ross Hutchins.
The 24-year-old British number one doubles player met the Scot at junior level and is now his training partner and one of his best friends.
"Andy has matured over the years - that is natural and you can see it from the way he now carries himself on the court these days," he told BBC Sport.
"But there has not been a change in him as a person. He has soared up the rankings in recent years but as a guy he has never changed.
"He's very down to earth, pretty quiet and keeps himself to himself - but he is always very light hearted."
After splitting with coach Brad Gilbert in November 2007, Murray appointed a team of coaches and fitness experts, who are commonly known as Team Murray.
"He put together a group he was comfortable with - he made up his mind about what he wanted to do," added Bollettieri.
"'I'm going to be around people that believe in what I believe' is what he said, although they also tell him things he doesn't want to hear.
"I think you also have to thank mama Judy - she has done a great job with her son."
"Mama" Judy was a professional tennis player herself but unlike her son she did not have a coach and went to tournaments by train and bus because she could not afford airline tickets.
After a bad experience in Barcelona, where she had some money and her passport stolen, she quit tennis, went on to study at Edinburgh University and took on office jobs before marrying and having a family.
Many cite her as the reason why her son Andy remains grounded and driven.
She is also the matriarchal figure of the close-knit Team Murray.
Former British Davis Cup player Miles Maclagan is her son's tennis coach, while Matty Little and Jez Green are the men responsible for the player's physical transformation and improvement in fitness levels.
Murray's new formula for success paid dividends almost immediately during the 2008 season when he won his first tournament of the campaign, the Qatar Open - defeating Stanislas Wawrinka in the final.
Judy Murray regularly supports son Andy on tour
The 'souped-up' Murray was heavier and stronger and he went on to win four more ATP titles, reached his first Grand Slam final - the US Open - and ended the season as world number four.
This year Murray has already won four titles, including his first on grass, and has improved tenfold on what had previously been his least successful surface - clay.
"There are big differences in Murray from a year ago," stated Bollettieri.
"Look at him physically. By becoming stronger he has become more flexible and is moving better. When you're stronger physically, 99 times out of 100 you become stronger mentally.
"I also think his shot selection is much more intelligent. He can lull you to sleep or pop you in the nose.
"If you know you're fit then you don't panic or go for early outright winners. Murray can change pace beautifully.
"He can slice, hit a great two-handed backhand, put great depth on his forehand, then hit a big forehand or backhand down the line. His mobility is second to none - and when you add that to his shot selection…"
Bollettieri believes Murray has all the attributes to be the best male tennis player in the world. And the Glasgow-born player never set his sights any lower, according to Hutchins.
"Even at a young age it was always clear he was desperate to be the best," he added.
"He wanted that and he wouldn't let anything get in his way.
"Andy wants to be number one in the world, he wants to be a Grand Slam champion and he will get there.
"He will get what he wants out of life and out of sport because he's just that driven and that passionate about what he does."
Additional material from BBC Sport's David Ornstein
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