Andy Murray’s Wimbledon chances assessed – ‘Winning it is probably a step too far’

Wimbledon

Shahida Jacobs
May 24, 2023

Andy Murray has made it clear that he still has ambitions of winning another Wimbledon title, but what are his chances of being the last man standing at SW19 this year?

The former world No 1 has made no secret of the fact that Wimbledon remains his top priority and he withdrew from this year’s French Open in order to focus on the grass-court season.

Earlier this year Murray said: “I also have ambitions of, you know, competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff, and I know that sitting here today that probably doesn’t sound realistic, but I do believe that that’s a possibility. I obviously want to do the right thing there.”

Since returning to competitive tennis following his career-saving hip surgery, Murray made two appearances at the All England Club as he reached the third round in 2021 and the second round last year.

Former British No 1 Tim Henman was asked about the 36-year-old’s chances of winning another title at Wimbledon and told Express Sport: “I think winning it is probably a step too far.”

He added: “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.”

Murray is yet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam since 2017, but he has now reached back-to-back third rounds as made it to that stage at this year’s Australian Open and last year’s US Open.

Henman continued: “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.”

The three-time Grand Slam winner is yet to confirm his full grass-court schedule, but he is expected to play in the ATP Challenger Tour’s Surbiton Trophy, which runs from June 4-11, while he has also been confirmed for the Queen’s Club Champions (June 19-25).

Last year he reached the semi-final in Surbiton and then finished runner-up to Matteo Berrettini at the Stuttgart Open. He was then expected to play at Queen’s Club, but withdrew due to an abdominal injury.

At Wimbledon he beat James Duckworth in four sets before going down in four sets against 20th seed John Isner.

Murray may not be at his peak, but he does have one thing that a lot of others don’t have and that is experience on grass.

“His experience is invaluable,” Henman said. “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.”

Andy Murray Tim Henman