Tim Henman has revealed that Andy Murray “ignored” his retirement advice.
The three-time Major champion ended his career at last year’s Paris Olympics and accepted a job as Novak Djokovic’s coach a few months later.
His decision to get back on tour surprised Henman, and the former world No. 4 has now shared what he told Murray before he became a coach.
Murray and Djokovic stunned the tennis world when they announced their partnership during the off-season. Henman was also caught off guard as coaching wasn’t on the table when he discussed retirement plans with Murray.
“My advice to Andy, when I was asked about it, was take your time. So he obviously didn’t listen to that,” the Sky Sports pundit said.
“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.”
The newly retired Brit initially agreed to work with Djokovic during his pre-season and the Australian Open. The pair must now decide whether to continue working together or cut ties.
Henman continued: “I haven’t seen him since he’s been back, and so I’m as intrigued as to A, whether that partnership will continue or B, if it doesn’t, whether he wants to look at other options. So only time will tell.”
After spending two decades on the tour as a player, Murray likely won’t want to commit to travelling week in and week out as a coach. Henman believes that mentoring a top player like Djokovic could give him more flexibility.
“I think with a top, top player, you can be a little bit more selective as to which events you go to,” he added.
“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.”
Murray and Djokovic have yet to confirm whether they will continue together but the 24-time Grand Slam champion will likely be sidelined for a couple of months after picking up a hamstring injury during the Australian Open.
The world No. 6 is missing Serbia’s Davis Cup tie this weekend, and his participation in the Qatar Open could now be in doubt.
Djokovic also addressed his plans to speak with Murray after retiring from his Australian Open semi-final.
“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me. You know, give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive, and see how he feels and we make the next step,” he said.
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