Andy Murray getting hammered at Wimbledon but feeling no pain would be great result for him, says Tim Henman
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman has implored the tennis public to be patient with Andy Murray this summer.
Murray will play his first competitive match in 11 months on Tuesday against Nick Kyrgios at the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen's Club after a frustrating period out with a hip injury.
Murray himself said on Saturday that he had "zero expectations" of himself during the grass-court season, and Henman said the next couple of weeks at Queen's and Wimbledon should be viewed as a "stepping stone".
"I've seen Andy a fair amount over last 11 months and it’s been unbelievably challenging for him," Henman told Telegraph Sport at the All England Club on Monday. "He’s been working so hard and this is another stepping stone as he works towards full fitness.
"If he lost 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round at Wimbledon but moved well and had no pain that would be a great result because of what he’s come through and where he’s at. It’s just so not about the results at this stage.
"If he’s playing pain-free in 12 months and losing by that sort of scoreline in the first round then you’d be saying 'hang on', but I don’t think that’s going to be the case. For now, I think if we can get away from any expectations at all that would be good."
One lingering question hanging over the Murray comeback is whether the injury he has suffered will force him to play a less physically demanding and attritional game style.
"You speak to the guys that have had [hip] issues and it’s obviously very challenging. And when you think of Andy's game style he’s obviously relied a lot on his movement," said Henman. "It’ll be interesting to see how he copes with that. Does he alter his game and become more aggressive?
"But I saw him practising at Wimbledon a few weeks ago and he’s made some really big strides. He’s been unbelievably patient and resilient and determined.
"The main thing is it’s great that he’s getting the opportunity to get back on the match court."
Robinsons will be providing visitors to Wimbledon the chance to purchase a personalised, reusable drink bottle from the Play Tennis café to help reduce the amount of waste over the championships
