Andy Murray fights off retirement claims with Novak Djokovic inspiration but now looks forward to a good night’s sleep away from his four kids, John McEnroe has claimed.
Murray, now 36, is set to play in his 15th Wimbledon next week. It comes after the Scot has climbed back into the world’s top 40 for the first time since his two hip surgeries.
He has responded to talk over retirement by claiming that he wants to go out on “his terms” but insisted that he wants to play for “a couple more years”. McEnroe has now given his view on Murray’s upcoming decision.
He said: “Instead of focusing on the negative, they should probably focus on the positive because this guy loves the game as much as he does. He's put so much time and effort and his heart and soul into trying to come back to be a top player and it's been slower than he wanted.
“And I'm sure it's been unbelievably frustrating. It's been a long hard road.
“I'm sure he's been inspired by Novak because they are the same age and look at this guy who looks like he's 25. But I can also tell you that having had six kids of my own, sometimes, a little sleep is not a bad thing if you play a few tournaments when you head out for a tournament or two.
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“So he's got four kids, and that'll keep you up at night. So, you know, having that little mix is probably a good thing.”
Since winning two Challenger events on grass - his wife Kim and four children being in Nottingham to see his second victory - Murray has failed to get past the third round in his last two appearances without a seeding.
“I think certainly his best chance is at Wimbledon,” said seven-time Grand Slam winner McEnroe. “He understands the nuances of grass better than anyone. It's gonna depend on his draw. If he plays Djokovic in the first round.
“I'm pulling for him to do something. I certainly think he's better than most, I put him in the top dozen players that understand what it takes to compete and do well on grass.
“So from that alone, if he gets a couple breaks here and there and gets going, who knows what could happen? Winning it that's a big ask, but you never know.”
Whilst Murray might be looking forward to taking on Djokovic on home soil once more, British No.1 Cam Norrie might be relishing the chance to take on the Serb even more. He reached the semi-finals last year before losing to the reigning champion.
The two had a more heated meeting in Rome when the Serb was furious when Norrie hit him with a smash - and the world No.13 then complained Djokovic had kept him waiting before the match.
“Is there potential for a grudge match at Wimbledon? I think Norrie would hope so,” McEnroe added.
"I know Novak made a few comments. Like he was being disrespectful. I’m just generally impressed that Norrie has done so well and has really maximised his potential.
“He should be very proud of that. I wouldn’t worry about Djokovic if I was him. I’d worry about some of the other guys, those who have moved past him in the rankings.
“We’ll see how that plays out. But I’m sure for him he’d love to play Djokovic in the semis. That means he’s in the semis.”
John McEnroe is part of the BBC ’s Wimbledon 2023 line-up. Catch all the action across BBC TV, radio and online from Monday July 3.
