Andy Murray aims to become the first British man since 1936 to win a Grand Slam singles title when he plays Roger Federer in Monday's US Open final.

The 21-year-old Scot beat world number one Rafael Nadal in the semis on Sunday and is one victory from matching Fred Perry's US Open win of 72 years ago.

Murray faces another huge task as Federer eyes a fifth straight title in the final, which starts at 2200 BST.

But the Scot can take confidence from a 2-1 career record against the Swiss.

"He's probably the greatest player ever. To get a chance to play him in a Grand Slam final is an honour," said Murray.

"I've played well against him in the past. I think a Slam final is different to the matches I played against him before.

"He's obviously won over 30 matches in a row here so he's going to be feeling confident going in. He's got loads of experience in these situations and it's something new for me."

Federer reached the final in New York for the sixth year running after a consummate display against world number three Novak Djokovic.

Having wrapped up victory on Saturday, Federer may have expected to face fierce rival Nadal for the third time this year in a Grand Slam final, but he will not underestimate Murray.

"I'm sure he will be at the top of the game for a very long time, because I always thought Andy has incredible talent. He's a great player," said the 12-time Grand Slam champion.

"It will be interesting to see how he handles (his first Grand Slam final), but I have a feeling he's a guy who plays well on the big occasions."

Tennis legend John McEnroe is tipping Federer to prevail, but he has been impressed by Murray's performances in New York.

"Certainly by no means would I call Murray the favourite and if I were to pick anyone, I'd pick Roger," said the American.

"It's going to be a tall order for Murray but it's going to be a great experience and something to build on, win or lose, and the way he was playing against Nadal I wouldn't count him out."

Murray beat world number one Nadal for the first time in six attempts in the semi-final.

The Spaniard now believes the Scot can give Federer an equally stiff examination.

"Andy has a chance, although I think Federer is going to be the favourite," said Nadal.

"But Andy is doing very well, no? He's having very good second part of the season - Toronto, Cincinnati and right now, here in the finals. He's a very, very good player. He can do everything."

Former British number one Tim Henman believes if he can carry his form into the final, Murray has an excellent chance of beating the 12-times Grand Slam champion.

"I really think he can win it," Henman told BBC Sport.

"Andy's playing style matches up well against Federer. If they're going to be trading backhands cross-court then Andy's got a backhand as good as anyone in the game right now."

Greg Rusedski was the last British man to reach a major final, losing to Pat Rafter at the 1997 US Open, while Virginia Wade's 1977 Wimbledon win was the last British singles success at the highest level.

Henman, Murray's predecessor as British number one, reached six semi-finals but failed to make a final.

"There are great similarities between him and Henman, who people think was a nice guy but was actually so competitive," said BBC Radio 5 Live tennis correspondent Jonathan Overend.

"But Murray is a better tennis player - and actually by some considerable distance."

And Murray knows victory over Federer could have a significant effect on the sport in Great Britain.

"Obviously Tim (Henman) was incredibly consistent and one of the best players for a long time," said Murray. "He never won a Slam.

"With rugby, when England won the World Cup, it became a huge sport pretty much overnight.

"Cricket, when England won the Ashes, that went from being a smaller sport to having a lot of cricketers became celebrities after that. It was a much cooler sport.

"I just think when you have a team or someone who wins the big events, it makes a big difference to the popularity of a sport in your country."

Just by reaching the final, Murray has already caught the attention of leading political figures in his home country.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown stayed up late to watch the game at home on TV, and said: "It was a fabulous performance by Andy Murray and a fantastic victory."

Downing Street is sending Murray a message of good luck for the final.

And Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I know that the whole of Scotland will now be willing Andy to go one step further and complete the job by beating Roger Federer to become our first Grand Slam singles champion."

The world of sport is also willing Murray to end Britain's 31-year barren spell in Grand Slam singles events.

"It's fantastic, he has had an amazing few days," said compatriot Chris Hoy, who won three cycling gold medals in Beijing.

"The fight and determination he seems to have is inspiring for a lot of athletes and if anyone can beat Federer, I'm sure Andy is the man to do it."

Former European number one golfer Colin Montgomerie added: "As a fellow Scot and fellow Perthshire resident I am delighted.

"He has a very tough task ahead but if he plays anything like he did last night he has every chance."

But Murray will have to produce another top-class performance if he is to overcome Federer, who has had an extra 24 hours' rest after winning his semi before Saturday's rain.

The Briton has won two of his three previous matches against Federer, which have all come on hard-courts.

"Ideally, I think you'd want to be in his position," said Murray. "I think it's slightly better, but it's a Grand Slam final and I'm not going to let 24 hours of rest or having to play today or whatever get in the way of giving 110%.

"I'll try my best to win the match. That's not going to be the difference on Monday."

(BBC)

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