Andy Murray should skip the US Open or his career will be at risk says Tim Henman
World No 1 is warned by his fellow Brit to manage his body carefully because he only has five or six years left at the top
TIM HENMAN has warned Andy Murray: Miss the US Open or risk jeopardising your career.
The British tennis legend, 42, believes world No 1 Murray must manage his body carefully as he only has five or six years left at the top.
The Scot, 30, battled a hip injury at Wimbledon, playing through the pain barrier as he lost in the quarter-finals to American big-hitter Sam Querrey.
But he still intends to play at the US Open at Flushing Meadows next month.
Novak Djokovic will miss the tournament to rest an elbow injury.
And Henman reckons Murray should follow the Serb’s lead and take time out to fix his problems — for the good of the rest of his career.
He said: “First and foremost he’s got to get fit and healthy because the standard is too good.
“You can’t compete unless you are 100 per cent healthy.
most read in tennis
“I know he’s seeing some specialists to work out the plan of action and fingers crossed he can be healthy before the US Open.
"If he’s not he must take his time and make sure he gets it right.
“It was sad and disappointing to see him not able to compete as he would like at Wimbledon.”
Henman believes Murray’s style means he is more prone to injury and that he is unlikely to match the longevity of Roger Federer.
The Swiss star, who turns 36 next month, became the oldest man in the modern era to win a Major when he lifted a record eighth Wimbledon title.
And Henman insisted managing wear and tear is vital to Murray from this point on.
He said: “It will be hard for Andy because one of the most important aspects of Federer’s longevity is his physique.
“He’s much slighter, not so muscular and not carrying as much weight.
“That’s where I think with Andy he’s got a different physique and it’s more stressful.
“With his style of play he does a lot more running and retrieving and so I’d be surprised to see Murray playing at 35, 36, but who knows?
“He’s got to play to his strengths. You can’t suddenly say ‘I’m going to change my style because I’m getting older’.
“Maybe that will mean being more aggressive, but it’s difficult to reinvent yourself.
“Federer hasn’t changed his game, he’s just been a little bit more aggressive and looked to take a few more risks, taking the ball a little bit earlier.
“But the priority for Murray is to be 100 per cent healthy.
“People were saying Roger was just going to play up to Rio 2016.
“Now you’re looking at him and thinking he’s got two more years in him for sure.
“I think the six months he had off, stepping away from the game, helped Federer mentally and physically.”
Tim Henman was talking on behalf of The Open patron HSBC. For more information, visit