“Step Too Far”: Former British No.1 Claims Andy Murray Cannot Win Another Grand Slam

Following his hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, many claimed that Andy Murray would not return to the ATP Tour. However, he did return and is even steadily rebuilding his old game back in the 2021 season. But will he make enough improvements to win a Grand Slam in the future? Former British No.1 Tim Henman hopes for it but doesn’t think it will happen.

As per Henman, the demands of winning a Grand Slam are “a step too far” for Murray, given his hip problems. Nevertheless, he believes that with the game the 34-year-old Scot is producing, an ATP Tour title is possible.

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Tim Henman on Andy Murray’s Grand Slam quest

In 2016, Andy Murray won Wimbledon and finished runner-up in the French Open. Since then, his Grand Slam run hasn’t found any notable success. Besides, Henman stated that it might never happen again, but would be delighted if it did.

“In my opinion, for him to win best of five-sett matches, seven times, over a fortnight with a metal hip is a step too far,” Henman said. “I say that also knowing that he loves to prove people wrong, and I’d be delighted if he proved me wrong.”

Currently, the three-time Grand Slam champion is in California for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Murray received a wild card for this event. So, what does Henman feel about fellow Englishman on the ATP Tour?

“Can he win on tour? Yeah, I think he can,” Henman continued. “You look at the way he has played recently, and you look at the way he’s played since Queens when he’s been back on the match court. I think he’s shown a lot of improvement.”

Additionally, the former British No.1 also praised Murray’s performances against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hubert Hurkacz. Besides, Henman foresaw the run getting better and better.

“His game is definitely trending in the right direction and if he can stay injury-free without any other niggles or setbacks, I think his game is going to get better and better,” Henman concluded.

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Who will Andy Murray face in Indian Wells Round 1?

Given his low rankings, Murray has to go through a tough path in the desert. As per the draw, he will take on France’s Adrian Mannarino in the opening round.

If he were to get past that initial hurdle, he would come up against Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz next. Naturally, the path will only move uphill afterwards. Can Murray bring out his best game in Indian Wells and go all the way? Only time will tell.

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