PETE Sampras believes Andy Murray has what it takes to win a grand slam singles title and reckons he is ‘‘only one notch below’’ world top two Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Murray, 21, enjoyed a prolific season, reaching No 4 in the world and beating Nadal en route to the US Open final in September, only to lose to Federer.

That followed a run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, which included a thrilling five-set defeat of Richard Gasquet, and a Murray major win is widely considered to be only a matter of time.

‘‘He’s moved himself right up to one notch below Roger and Nadal,’’ said Sampras, who is in London for the first time since 2002 for the Tour of Champions’ BlackRock Masters.

‘‘He’s right on the edge of breaking through and winning a major. He’s got the game.

‘‘The US Open was a great breakthrough for him and I’m impressed.He’s competitive, he’s a great mover and he’s got a ton of talent.”

Sampras, who won a record 14 grand slam titles – seven at Wimbledon – before retiring six years ago, reckons the key to Murray winning a maiden grand slam is psychological rather than any physical aspect of his game.

Asked what he needs to improve to reach the same level as Federer and Nadal, Sampras said: ‘‘He needs a bit more self-belief and confidence that he can win a major.

‘‘Watching the US Open, I could sense that he didn’t really believe he could win that match.

‘‘But he’s right there ready to break through and he’s only 21 so he’s got many years to keep it together. He’ll do it, I really believe that. He’s the real deal.’’ Sampras has not given any advice to Murray, saying the Scot has his own people for that, but he jokingly added: ‘‘I sure know what it takes to win Wimbledon if he wants advice on that.’’ Sampras has also backed Federer to break his record number of grand slam wins in the ‘‘next couple of years’’ and hopes to be there when it happens.

Federer, 27, has accrued 13 major titles so far, one short of the 14 won by Sampras, who is in London this week playing at the Tour of Champions’ BlackRock Masters.

The Swiss was expected to at least equal the record this year, but endured a disappointing season, adding just one more grand slam at the US Open and losing the Wimbledon final – and with it the world number one spot – to Nadal.