'POPEYE' SERVES NOTICE.

Byline: MIKE WALTERS

ANDY MURRAY will try to blast his way into the last 16 at Wimbledon today after revealing his bazooka serve holds the key.

The world No.3 faces Serbia's Viktor Troicki on Centre Court with the prospect of another Royal appointment - because the Queen could be cheering him on if he reaches the final. Following his 88-minute second-round demolition of Ernests Gulbis, Murray revealed he was fortified by fan mail from Her Majesty.

And Buckingham Palace revealed last night the Queen - who has not been to a Wimbledon final since Virginia Wade won in her Silver Jubilee year of 1977 - has kept the diary clear for the men's singles showpiece on July 5. It gives Murray an even bigger incentive to unleash another firestorm of aces - he has rattled off 31 in two matches - against Troicki.

And Britain's lone survivor in SW19, whose serve has improved in pace and accuracy since he unveiled his new "Popeye" muscles 12 months ago, admitted: "All the physical work I've done has made a big difference to my serve."

In 2008 at Wimbledon, Murray hit the target with 57 per cent of his first serves and averaged 117mph on the speed clock. This year the figures are 65 per cent and 119mph.

He said: "It's because I'm physically stronger and a lot more balanced."

CAPTION(S):

POWER MAD Murray will be counting on his big serve