London, July 1 : Penny Perry, the daughter of Fred Perry, the last Briton to win the Wimbledon men’s championship title (in 1936), believes that there are many dissimilarities between her father and current Wimbledon hope Andy Murray.

For instance, she said her father was from a working class background and always made an effort to keep up appearances in society.

Murray, on the other hand, comes from a middle-class background and was brought up in Scotland.

Perry was married four times and his last marriage lasted 40 years and he was also romantically involved with Hollywood actress Marlene Dietrich. Murray has a long-term girlfriend, Kim Sears, daughter of his coach Nigel Sears.

Perry used a Slazenger wooden racket that weighed 14 ounces and cost around 3.50 pounds. Murray''s high-tech Head equipment is made of carbon and costs around
175 pounds.

Perry liked to smoke a pipe and his fitness regime included training at Arsenal and playing the occasional friendly. Murray is also a fitness freak and heads to Florida in close season for gruelling workouts in the heat.

Penny Perry is beginning to believe her father’s achievement 73 years ago is seriously under threat.

The Sun quoted her as saying: “It is different this year. There is the kind of feeling that takes me back to Virginia Wade, 1977, Silver Jubilee and so on. “All of a sudden, it’s Fred’s 100th, Andy is wearing the gear and it would be 75 years since my father first won it. People tend to forget that because they are so busy thinking about the last win.”

The legendary Fred pocketed 10 pounds and a gold medal for winning Wimbledon in 1934. When he turned professional after winning for the third successive time in 1936, the snooty All-England Club were delighted to have an excuse to withdraw his membership.

If he wins, Murray would pick up a cheque for 850,000 pounds and the pin number to a spin-off fortune.

Penny, who lives in the US, has been a keen spectator from the Members’ Enclosure since the tournament began and sees a connection between her father and Murray — especially since he smartened up.

Penny candidly admits she is in two minds about the thought of Murray lifting the trophy on Sunday — but believes her father would ultimately be pleased. (ANI)