Henman reveals retirement advice he gave to Murray before Djokovic link-up
Andy Murray’s unlikely partnership with Novak Djokovic caught many by surprise, but none more so than English tennis great Tim Henman. Shockwaves were sent through the tennis world when Murra…
Andy Murray's unlikely partnership with Novak Djokovic caught many by surprise, but none more so than English tennis great Tim Henman.
Shockwaves were sent through the tennis world when Murray announced last November he would oversee Djokovic's preparations ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.
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Murray and Djokovic formed the unlikeliest of partnerships last NovemberCredit: AFP
Unfortunately for the Serbian superstar, his tournament was cut short after he succumbed to a hamstring injury midway through his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev.
Murray and Djokovic are yet to confirm whether they will continue their partnership following the Australian Open, although the Scot stated he thoroughly enjoyed his time working as the 24-time grand slam winner's coach.
The role of coaching Djokovic was Murray's first following his retirement from the sport after the Paris Olympics.
But the fact Murray returned to the sport so soon after he'd hung up the racquet was what left Henman stunned, especially after their encounter on a golf course.
"My advice to Andy, when I was asked about it, was take your time," Henman said.
"So he obviously didn't listen to that.
“I played a bit of golf with him at the end of last year, and he seemed so content and he was loving his golf and being at home with his wife and his kids.
“And so I didn't see it coming, and I don't necessarily think he saw it coming either. It was a bit of a call out of the blue.”
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Henman also stated he was 'intrigued' as to what Murray will do next in terms of either maintaining the partnership with Djokovic or if he chooses to explore other options.
However, the fact Djokovic won't be jetting across the world to participate in a large number of events compared to some of his rivals on tour might do could be a deciding factor in terms of Murray opting to stay on.
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Henman claimed Murray didn't heed his advice when it came to life after tennisCredit: Getty
"I think with a top, top player, you can be a little bit more selective as to which events you go to," Henman said.
"Whereas if you're working with a younger player, then obviously the commitment is going to be much more substantial to be there and start ingraining those good habits on the practice court to take through to the match court.
"So I really don't know. But I think for all of us that were involved in Australia, it was another fascinating element and to see Andy courtside looking pretty nervous and to see how calm he was, I thought it was fun to watch."
Should Djokovic and Murray elect to continue their partnership, it will be some time before the pair can actually return to work on the court.
Following his withdrawal against Zverev, Djokovic shared an MRI of his torn hamstring to show the 'experts' the legitimacy of his injury.
Djokovic has not provided a timeline for his return, but according to four-time doubles grand slam winner Rennae Stubbs, the Serbian could be out for months.
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Djokovic won't be back on court for some time as he recovers from injury
"He showed the scan, the tear in his hamstring," Stubbs said on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.
"That's a nightmare. That is minimally six weeks, minimally.
"I would say two months, minimally. Well, then again, he'll get in his hyperbaric chamber, maybe."
Djokovic has plenty of time to recover before the next grand slam of the year, with the French Open due to begin on May 25.