Boris Becker fears for Andy Murray’s future – but believes Britain’s two-time Wimbledon champion can still challenge for titles if he wins the biggest battle of his career.
Injury-haunted Murray, 32, has not hit a ball in anger since the Davis Cup last November.
The Scot – who was Wimbledon men’s champion in 2013 and 2016 – had hoped to use this month’s Miami Open as build-up in his bid to be ready for another tilt at SW19.
But that tournament has been lost to the coronavirus.
And Becker, who boasts three Wimbledon titles, said he was worried that Murray was losing his battle with a chronic hip injury that has plagued him for the last four years.
But he insisted: “If Andy can stay fit then I still think it is possible for him to challenge the world's best players.
“He has to be patient – which is very tough when you have missed so much tennis.
“He has to build up his physical condition again but he can only do that by getting on the practise courts and playing in tournaments.
“The more tournaments he plays, the more he will play the top guys on a regular basis.
“Andy isn't so old. He's 32 and time is still on his side.
"I don't think it's impossible that we can see him back near the top of the rankings – but of course he must stay fit.”
Becker, who is a Laureus sports ambassador, added: “I must admit that when Andy pulled out of the Australian Open, I feared for him.
“There is nothing worse of an athlete to be unable to compete because of injury.
“It happened to me and it has happened to most of us.
“When you have competed at the highest level, you don't want to be beaten by injury. It is the worst way to leave your sport.
“You want to retire on your own terms and not have the decision taken away from you by something you can't control.
“That's why I really hope that Andy can get himself back on the court for a few more years.”
Murray hasn't gone beyond the semi-finals of a Grand Slam tournament since winning Wimbledon for the third time in 2016.
But Becker is hoping he can give the home fans something to cheer again in June.
He said: “I think Andy needs Wimbledon – and Wimbledon needs Andy just as much.
“It is always more fun when the home fans have a favourite to get behind – and as a great Wimbledon champion, Andy is a big part of the tournament.
“I would say we really missed him last year, although he did play doubles.
“We all want to see him in the singles this year because it would be good for the championships.”
