Andy Murray is likely to target his third Wimbledon career title in 2023, but former British number one Tim Henman feels that goal is just out of reach for the 35-year-old.
Murray showed signs of gradually returning to form in 2023 with a third-round run at the Australian Open, a Qatar Open final appearance and victory at the Challenger Aix-En Provence event in May. But a first-round loss to Fabio Fognini and a defeat against Stan Wawrinka at the Challenger Primrose event in Bordeaux on Wednesday led Murray to withdraw from the French Open.
The Brit's step back from the clay court event could signal that he wants to target grass season instead, including a return to Wimbledon. When speaking to Express Sport about Murray's chances in SW19 this season, Henman was realistic about the three-time Grand Slam winner's chances of progressing deep into the competition.
"I think winning it is probably a step too far. But certainly when you reflect on how well he played in Australia and those matches he’s been able to come through, on grass there’s no doubt that he can get into the second week.”
Since 2018, Murray has not progressed past the third round of a Grand Slam. Also, the Brit was eliminated in the second round at Wimbledon last season and at the third round stage in 2021.
Yet, despite the declining form of the former world number one, Henman still has the belief that Murray can get into the second week, and potentially further, with a kind draw.
"When you get into the second week, draws can open up. So I think that’s what I’m looking for, to try and see him get through the first week and then build that momentum into the second week and see if he can have another deep run in a Slam.”
“His experience is invaluable, And grass is – there aren’t that many opportunities obviously because the grass-court season is so short so there’s not that much time for players to gain that experience so he definitely has that, he’s won Wimbledon twice and he’ll have unbelievable support there so that is a really exciting aspect to look forward to.”
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