Andy wasn't fazed by anything I threw at him at 18..he's even tougher now.

Byline: SCOTT McDERMOTT

RADEK STEPANEK once tried to ignite inexperienced Andy Murray's hair-trigger temper by playing mind games with him at Wimbledon. It didn't work then and the Czech knows it never will now.

Murray was just a scrawny teenager when he sent shockwaves through the tennis world by destroying Stepanek on Court One in his SW19 debut four years ago.

The Scot's opponent, ranked 299 places above him at the time, is renowned for gamesmanship during matches and tried to light Murray's fuse by stroking the net at one point.

Matured Andy said after that match: "I was annoyed with him at the end. He tried to put me off but just looked stupid." Stepanek's antics failed to faze the 18-year-old who romped to a straight sets win. From that moment the Czech insists he knew Murray was going to be a star and isn't surprised he is now the world's third best player.

The 30-year-old - ranked 23rd - has seen a vast improvement in Murray's game. Aside from technical ability, Stepanek believes he has matured on court way beyond his years..

They could be paired at Wimbledon again as both men sealed their passage in to the fourth round yesterday - Stepanek squeezed past Spain's David Ferrer 7-5 7-5 3-6 4-6 6-4 - and are in the same half of the draw.

And Radek is well aware Murray is a different animal to the one that savagely beat him four years ago.

He said: "When I first saw Andy I felt he was going to be a top player. He had a great touch and read the game so well. He also produced brilliant returns and passing shots.

"I was sure he was going to be a major star and he's proved that with his achievements. He performs well in every tournament now. He is able to change the rhythm of the game whenever he wants against any opponent.

"I definitely see a change in him. He has grown up. Andy isn't getting p***ed off with himself on court like he was before, he's much calmer.

"You can see he always knows how he will play the next point. So he has improved a lot since 2005 and proves that by winning tournaments." Stepanek is still in denial that he tried to upset Murray during that shock defeat to the Scot at Wimbers. The ex-world No.8 refutes claims he was trying to gain an advantage or being arrogant.

He said: "I don't remember too much about matches from four years ago! Funny "But I do recall a net cord and after the point I stroked the net because it was nice to me.

"I don't know if Andy reacted to it. I was young then too and did things differently.

I wouldn't say it's arrogant.

"I didn't do it to intimidate my opponent. I was pumping myself up, trying to do funny stuff on the court.

"That's just the way I am - I play with my emotions. It was nothing against Andy.

"It was four years ago so I don't think Andy is out for revenge. We were always going to play each other and he beat me again in Madrid in 2007.

"We are older now and speak off court together all the time." As soon as Rafael Nadal withdrew from this year's tournament, Murray and Stepanek's half of the draw was blown wide open.

Stepanek believes the sole

Brit has a decent chance of being crowned champion but is adamant Roger Federer is clear favourite.

He said: "When Rafa pulled out it was a big loss for him and the tournament but it opened up our half of the draw. Andy has a chance but for me Federer is still favourite.

"Wimbledon is the biggest tournament and as a kid I dreamed of playing here.

The greatest thing about it is no-one gives up in any match so you have to earn it."

Teen spirit: Pumped-up Andy dumps Stepanek

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Step too far: Radek Stepanek's mind games backfired when Murray shocked him in 2005