Boris reckons fit Murray has staying power

BORIS BECKER feared for Andy Murray’s future but believes he can still challenge for titles if he wins the biggest battle of his career.

The Scot (below) – twice a champion at Wimbledon – has not hit a ball in anger since the Davis Cup last November.

He had hoped to play in this month’s Miami Open before it was scrapped because of the coronavirus crisis to prepare him for

SW19 at the end of June.

Legend Becker

(right) admitted he was worried Murray,

32, was losing his battle with a chronic hip injury that has plagued him for the last four years.

But the German,

52, said: “If Andy can stay fit then I still think it is possible for him to challenge the world’s best players.

“He has to be patient – which is very tough when you have missed so much tennis.

“He has to build up his physical condition again.

“But he can only do that by getting on the practice courts and playing in tournaments.

Andy isn’t so old and time is still on his side. I don’t think it’s impossible that we can see him back near the top of the rankings – but of course he must stay fit.

“I must admit that when Andy pulled out of the Australian Open, I feared for him. You don’t want to be beaten by injury. It is the worst way to leave your sport.

“You want to retire on your own terms and not have the decision taken away from you. I really hope Andy can get himself back on the court for a few more years.” Murray only competed in the doubles at SW19 last year.

And three-time Wimbledon winner Becker, who is a Laureus sports ambassador, added: “We all want to see him in the singles this year because it would be good for the championships.

“I think Andy needs Wimbledon – and Wimbledon needs Andy just as much. It is always more fun when the home fans have a favourite to get behind.”