Exclusive: Tim Henman says 2024 'might be' Andy Murray's last year before retirement as Australian Open looms
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 21/12/2023 at 15:22 GMT
Murray admitted “not really enjoying” his tennis after losing at the Paris Masters in October, which was the latest hint from the former world No. 1 about his future in the game. The Scotsman will play at the Brisbane International in January to increase his preparation ahead of the Australian Open, where Tim Henman thinks Murray can have a good run and enjoy a successful tournament.
Murray smashes racquet after agonising defeat to Alex de Minaur
Tim Henman says 2024 "might be" Andy Murray's last year as a competitive tennis player, but that the Scot is "the only one that really knows that".
Ex-world No. 1 Murray has endured a frustrating year and admitted to “not really enjoying” the sport after crashing out of the Paris Masters in October.
The 36-year-old failed to make an impact at Grand Slam tournaments in 2023 and after a second-round exit at the US Open, he said he would consider his future if his game goes “backwards”.
Injuries have been detrimental to Murray and a shoulder problem led to him withdrawing from Great Britain’s Davis Cup team last month ahead of the tournament's finals.
However, despite some setbacks, the Scotsman’s struggles in 2023 were punctuated by back-to-back successes at Surbiton and Nottingham on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Speaking to Eurosport, Henman was asked if 2024 could be Murray’s last as a competitive player.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/09/28/3793838-77166688-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Murray suffers earliest Shanghai exit as he loses to Safiullin
“I think it might be. I don't know," he said. "He's the only one that really knows that. But look, he's still so motivated. I've seen him practising at the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton.
“He's out there putting in the hours on the court, in the gym, and I just hope he can get some rewards for all that time and effort.”
Murray has not reached the last 16 of a major since 2019, but as well as results, Henman thinks that finding "enjoyment" is the key factor.
“At the end of last year, it didn't look like he was enjoying himself on the court," Henman said. "His attitude wasn't good.
“At this stage of his career, you want him to be out there not only having some good results, but enjoying himself. He's not going to be playing professional tennis forever.
“I think for me, the wish list for Andy Murray is for him to play well and have some good wins and enjoy himself. So, yeah, fingers crossed."
Murray is confirmed to play the Brisbane International in January as part of his preparations for the Australian Open.
It was in Melbourne last year where Murray’s trademark grit and determination was seen in all its glory.
He played out three epic matches, beating Matteo Berrettini and Thanasi Kokkinakis in respective five-set thrillers, before going out against Roberto Bautista Agut.
“I think it just epitomised his fighting spirit," Henman said. "He's just out on the court with a metal hip, still with the hunger and desire and determination to find a way to win."
Henman also sees Murray being able to recreate - and possibly better - those performances twelve months on.
“I think he's moving better than he was then and I think he can play better as well," he said.
"Perhaps if the schedule is a little bit kinder and the weather is a bit warmer, he can have a good run and that's what he's putting all the work in the gym for.”
- - -
Stream top tennis action, including the 2024 Australian Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement