“I think he’s moving better and I think he can play better as well” – Henman hopes Murray finds joy on court in 2024

Henman hopes his countryman is rewarded for all the hard work he has been putting in

Andy Murray at the 2023 Rolex Paris Masters Image Credit: Icon SMI / Panoramic

December 22, 2023

More than four years after a second hip surgery, former world No 1 Andy Murray will be back for another year on the pro tour in 2024.

The 36-year-old ended 2023 ranked No 42 in the world but was disappointed after failing to reach the second week at any of the four Grand Slams. His compatriot Tim Henman hopes that the Brit is able to find more joy on court in 2024.

“At the end of last year, it didn’t look like he was enjoying himself on the court,” Henman told Eurosport. “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, fingers crossed.”

MURRAY’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.
Tim Henman

Henman, who long carried the burden of British hopes on his lone shoulders before Murray came along to end a 77-year drought for British men’s tennis at Wimbledon, hopes that an easier schedule and warmer weather will help Murray play well in Australia when the new season kicks off.

“I think he’s moving better than he was then (2023) 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.”

Henman added that he has seen first-hand the hard work that Murray has put in during the off-season in recent weeks and hopes the Brit is rewarded for the same. “I think it might be (his last year). 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.”