Should Andy Murray chose to play at Wimbledon, his chances of progressing in the tournament depend on if he is able to avoid five-set matches, according to Martina Navratilova.
The former world No.1 is currently pondering about whether or not to play at the grass-court grand slam. Murray returned to the tour earlier this month following an 11-month absence due to a hip injury. In January he underwent surgery to treat the issue. The British No.2 has only played three competitive matches so far this year at Queen’s and Eastbourne. His sole win over over Stan Wawrinka earlier this week.
“Andy has to hope his first couple of matches run to just three sets if he’s to progress at all,” nine-time Wimbledon champion Navratilova told The Evening Standard.
“If they’re five sets, he has no chance of carrying on, he just won’t be able to recover.”
Navratilova, who will be commentating at Wimbledon for the BBC, hasn’t totally discounted Murray’s ability in the tournament. Naming him as a player that could spring an upset in the draw. At the tournament, Murray currently has a win-loss record of 57-10. Winning the title twice in 2013 and 2016.
“I love watching Andy play and, if he’s healthy, you wouldn’t write him off,” she said. “Maybe he won’t go all the way to the top at Wimbledon but I wouldn’t put it past him to upset some people along the way.”
Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe has described the prospect of Murray winning the title this year as ‘extremely unlikely.’ During an interview with whatsontv.co.uk, the former world No.1 believes the Brit will still challenge for major titles over ‘the next five years’ as long as he is fit.
“To be able to take such a long time off, for something as difficult as a hip issue, and then step up and win a tournament… you can practice as much as you want, but I don’t know how you can do that, especially as a lot of Andy’s success came down to the fact he was a great mover and athlete.” Said McEnroe.
“Stranger things have happened though, it’s not impossible. If the injury is fully resolved then he could definitely win again in the future – he’ll be a threat for the next five years.”
What has Murray said?
The Wimbledon draw will take place later this morning. It is still unclear if Murray will participate, but if he does he will be unseeded. Putting him in danger of taking on a top-10 player in the first round. Speaking with BBC Sport earlier this week, Murray said the final decision will be based on if he will be able to be competitive in the tournament or not.
“It’s not like I’m going to do any damage to myself if I do play at Wimbledon … You obviously gain stuff physically by playing matches and obviously ultimately that’s the best test for you is to play competitive matches … How do you go about improving [what needs to be improved]? Does that come from being on the match court, being on the practice court or doing more work in the gym?” Murray said during a BBC interview.
It is unclear as to when a final decision will be made. It is possible that Murray could still enter his name in the draw and then withdraw over the weekend. The tournament will get underway on Monday.
