Andy Murray will, in ranking terms at least, become Great Britain's most successful tennis player of the Open era when the next ATP list is published on Monday.

The Scot will become the first player ever to crack the top three when he overhauls Novak Djokovic and now he justifably has his sights set on second-placed Roger Federer.

The Swiss is certainly within touching distance, although world leader Rafael Nadal maintains a big points lead at the summit.

We've previously discussed where Murray sits among the British players of the modern era, but surely Murray's right to call himself Britain's best for some time is no longer in doubt.

He arrived on the scene just as both Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski were coming to the end of their career and those were two large shadows to step out of.

However, Murray is firmly out of the shade and into the limelight now.

He has already equalled Henman's career tally of 11 ATP titles, while his three Masters Series triumphs outweigh the combined efforts of his predecessors as British number one.

In statistical terms, only Rusedski's total of 15 ATP titles remains to be conquered and the way things are going, you can easily see that being surpassed before the year is out.

The one thing that remains missing from Murray's CV is a Grand Slam title.

Unfortunately for him, Murray's career will probably be judged on whether he manages to achieve this feat.

That was certainly the case for Henman and Rusedski - both high-quality players, but forever to be remembered by many as failures at the highest level.

With Murray surely not ready to win the French Open on clay and messrs Nadal and Federer still looking the men to beat at Wimbledon, already you have to look forward to the US Open for Murray's next big chance.

He made the final there last year and has long regarded the tournament as his best opportunity to claim a major.

At this stage, it's worth reiterating another point previously raised by this column - the fact that Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, not to mention greats such as Pete Sampras and Boris Becker - had all won majors by the time they turned 22.

Murray hits that landmark later this month.

It's been a terrific season so far for him - just four defeats in 33 matches (and two of those to Nadal) are hard to argue with - but he could really do with producing his best at Wimbledon and US Open in the coming months.

If he does, the names of Henman and Rusedski need never be uttered again.

Is Murray the best Briton of recent times? And does he really need to win a Grand Slam to be regarded a true success? Email your feedback to: tennisfeedback@sportinglife.com