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Sports Superstar 2005 on Wanadoo Sport

For the past few weeks we’ve been asking you to vote on your sporting hero of 2005. The vote has now been whittled down to the final eight contenders - and we’re featuring two of these each week in the run-up to Christmas. This time it’s the turn of Scottish tennis sensation Andrew Murray and England’s star midfielder, Steven Gerrard.

Andrew Murray (c) empics 2005
Andrew Murray (c) empics 2005

Andrew Murray

Who is he?
British tennis’ next great hope

What’s he done in 2005?
  • Became Britain’s youngest-ever Davis Cup player

  • Named LTA Player of the Year

  • Reached the third round of Wimbledon on his first attempt

  • Rose to number 64 in the World ATP rankings in his first season as a pro

  • Ended the season with victories over Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski

  • Reached the final of the Thailand Open, only to be beaten by World No.1 Roger Federer

    Why should he win?
    Unlike fellow compatriots Henman and Rusedski, Murray is equipped with the killer instinct required to become a world-beater. Victories over both of them in late 2005 confirmed his unstoppable rise to the top of British tennis.

    His main ambition is to win the French Open by the time he’s 20 and, judging by his gruelling winter training schedule in South Africa, that dream could come true sooner than he thinks.

    Steven Gerrard (c) Empics
    Steven Gerrard (c) Empics

    Who is he?
    Liverpool and England’s midfield maestro

    What’s he done in 2005?

  • Captained his hometown club to Champions League glory in Istanbul

  • Won UEFA’S Most Valuable Player award for the 2004/05 Champions League season

  • Came third in the European Footballer of the Year award

    Why should he win?
    The former YTS trainee instantly became a Liverpool legend with that awe-inspiring performance in Istanbul. Despite having his head turned by Chelsea over the summer, he stuck with the Reds - eager to add another European Cup to the five already at Anfield.

    Being voted the Champions League’s Most Valuable Player and one of Europe’s top three players is ample proof of his awesome ability. A born winner.

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