Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker hopes that Andy Murray can play through the pain to receive a ‘proper goodbye’ at SW19 this summer.
Murray, who ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's Wimbledon champion in 2013, has announced his intention to retire from tennis in 2019, though how deep he will play into the calendar year is uncertain.
For nearly two years the Scot has been struggling with what he called a “severely damaged right hip” which has caused him discomfort while completing simple, day-to-day tasks like tying his shoe laces.
Murray hopes to last long enough to make a final appearance at Wimbledon, and Becker believes that would present the perfect setting for Murray to say goodbye.
Becker, who is working for Eurosport at the Australian Open, said: “Yes, I was shocked when I heard the news today that Andy Murray retires at Wimbledon, at the latest. One of the greatest players of all time, a three-time Grand Slam winner, two Olympic gold medals, the world number one in 2016 and just a fine guy, a fine sportsman over the years - but he never really recovered after his hip surgery 18 months ago.
“I thought last summer, during the grass court season that he was better, he played well during Queen’s but unfortunately didn’t play Wimbledon. He started to come back slowly, got to the third round at the US Open but didn’t play much in the fall. I was really hoping he would return strong at his beloved Australian Open. He has reached the final here five times but he lost in the second round in Brisbane and then had a practice session with Novak Djokovic. When the match was stopped at 6-1, 4-1 I thought ‘why would he stop the match at 4-1? Why would he do a practice match anyway?’
“Unfortunately, today, he could barely speak, he had strong emotions obviously announcing his retirement by the end of Wimbledon, if he’s going to make it. He is apparently in so much pain that he can’t put on his socks or his shoes and he’s really struggling with his every day walks. I hope, for him, he survives the Australian Open and he survives until Wimbledon where he can get his proper goodbye in his beloved London.”
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