Andy needs to take some time away for sake of his long-term health, maintain Henman and Wade

TIM Henman and Virginia Wade have both urged Andy Murray to take a break following his shock Wimbledon exit.

American Sam Querrey inflicted a surprise 3-6 6-4 6-7 (47) 6-1 6-1 defeat on Murray, who has been battling a hip injury all tournament.

The World No.1’s loss to Quer- rey, the World No.28, is his worst defeat by ranking ever at Wimbledon, and it is only the second time in the last nine attempts he has failed to make the semis.

It also continues a disappointing year for Murray, whose form has been hampered by a series of physical problems including shingles and flu, as well as injuries to his elbow and now hip.

Former Wimbledon champion Wade was not surprised to see Murray find the Querrey contest a match too far.

“I was amazed that he managed to keep going,” Wade said. “He didn’t look good at all when he was running around. It’s just too much. Last year has just caught up with him and he needs a nice break.

“I would think his intention has got to be to have a rest. He’s got to start feeling better. You don’t want to be mucking around with the hip. He’s a bit of a workaholic and, however strong you are, if you push yourself too hard, you pay the price. It’s as simple as that.

“Players all get nervous about taking time off but it’s a good investment of your long-term life on the tour.”

Murray won five tournaments in a row at the end of last year to overtake Novak Djokovic as World No.1, but appears to have suffered the physical consequences this season.

Henman, a four-time semi-finalist at Wimbledon, echoed Wade’s comments.

“I definitely think he needs a few weeks off now,” Henman said. “He’s been struggling not only to string matches together in tournaments but also to get the foundation from the practice court and gym.

“He had such an incredi-

ble finish to last year but not enough time to rest and recuperate before his training block in Miami. We know how hard he pushes himself there, and in hindsight he needed a bit more time.

“He didn’t give his body enough time to recover and he’s been playing catch-up ever since.”

The US Open begins in less than seven weeks, and could be without both Murray and Djokovic, who retired during his quarter-final against Tomas Berdych with an elbow problem.

Roger Federer was left flying the flag for the big four and hopes both will be fit again soon.

He said: “You wish them well right away as a rival to them and a friend. You want them to be healthy again.

“Andy, I hope by playing he didn’t make things worse. It’s big for him to step out on court and give it a go, even though maybe knowing, like me last year, that chances are slim he was going to defend this title.

“I have a lot of respect for him doing that. I just hope that he comes out on the other side now not having to miss much later on. I just hope he can recover quickly and get ready for America, or Canada for that matter.” Pain game: Andy Murray has been suffering with injuries