Pete Sampras warns Andy Murray the pressure will be greater on him at this year's Wimbledon than last year

The Brit heads into the tournament this summer as defending champion

Pete Sampras has warned Andy Murray that the pressure of defending his Wimbledon title will be greater than winning it for the first time.

Murray ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion at the All England Club with victory over Novak Djokovic last summer.

Sampras, who amassed 14 grand slam titles in a decorated career, believes the expectation will be even great this year.

"I think there's more pressure. When you defend a major it's the most pressure you feel because you're the man to beat," the American told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"That will especially be the case for Andy because he'll be talked about. Before he was more of a contender, now he's a favourite and that changes your mindset.

Pete Sampras won Wimbledon an equal-most seven times (GETTY) (GETTY IMAGES)

"He'll handle it fine because he's a great player and great players figure it out.

"He can win some more majors. Five is a lot, but he's eager and healthy again so will always be in the mix.

"He's on the way to winning multiple majors, but it's hard to put a number on it. He's a great player."