Boris Becker: Tennis is not the same without Andy Murray

Tennis legend Boris Becker says the sport “needs” a fully fit Andy Murray.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray has not played any competitive tennis since Wimbledon last year. He was expected to make his comeback just before the Australian Open, but he eventually pulled out of the hard-court major and underwent hip surgery.

The Brit has indicated that he hopes to be fit for the grass-court season and six-time Grand Slam champion Becker hopes to see him back on the court soon.

“Tennis needs him; tennis is not the same without Andy Murray,” the German said at the Laureus Sports Awards.

“He got this problem and he stopped when he was the number one player in the world. It’s the last thing you want to happen.

“It’s a serious injury – I’m not his doctor, I can’t give you details of what the surgery was or how many surgeries he had – but what I hear is he is contemplating coming back on the grass because obviously it’s a little easier for the hip.

“I think you wouldn’t come back if you wouldn’t have the chance to come back fully fit.

“Once he’s fully fit, he’s one of the best players in the world. Then it’s a question of time. How much time are you going to give yourself to come back to this level you had before? I hope he does.”

Some have raised questions about whether or not we will see Murray, who turns 31 this year, on a tennis court again and Becker, who retired at that age, admits it’s not an easy decision to make.

“It’s the most difficult decision for an athlete,” he said.

“We all come to that moment of having to face the man in the mirror and saying, ‘We’re too old’.

“It’s not because 31 is old but it’s because of the wear and tear and the physical demands that you’ve asked from your body. It’s not a number.

“(Bjorn) Borg thought he was too old at 26. It’s the most difficult decision you have to ask yourself because it’s not normal to be called old at 31, 32.

“You’re still starting your life as a man. But as an athlete, you are not a spring chicken any more. It’s difficult.”