Andy Murray hopes for birthday present

Today marks the 21st birthday of moody Scotsman Andy Murray but he won’t be celebrating by blowing out candles and scoffing cake.

Instead, he faces the unenviable task of trying to topple the greatest clay-courter in the world right now at around 5pm in the last 16 of the Hamburg Masters.

But there is a feeling that this is as good a chance as Murray will ever have of beating the Spaniard because he has encounted a few fitness struggles in recent weeks.

Nadal has complained about his heavy schedule and has also been suffering with a blister while Murray will be buoyed by the desire to mark his birthday with a memorable win.

If you fancy Murray to restore Scottish pride after a miserable Wednesday night in Manchester then click here to place your bets.