It is always a pleasure to hear the opinions of Tim Henman on the burning topics surrounding the world of tennis. Speaking about Novak Djokovic and trying to decipher his future is a debate that never goes out of style. In statements collected by Sky Sports, the former world number 4 predicts where the Serbian’s best shot at adding a last Grand Slam could be. Surprisingly for many, that opportunity could happen in exactly five months at a place that Nole knows like the back of his hand.
“I think at Wimbledon he will have his best chance to win his #25 Grand Slam,” Oxford’s talent asserts with the confidence of one who has seen him lift the trophy there on seven occasions, many of them in epic fashion. “I still remember what happened last summer, when he reached the final with very recent surgery and knee problems. I believe that if he made it that far, it was a combination of the confidence and understanding he feels every time he steps on the grass, surely there are many other players who do not feel that stability on this surface,” values a Henman who was also a master on the lawn, a semifinalist at the All England Club in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2002.
“Honestly, who could have realistically won this last Australian Open? Perhaps there were only four or five players, no more,” Tim explores from a rational idea that also suggests that there aren’t many contenders to shine at the four prestigious venues. “If we talk about grass, it will probably end up being an even lower number. The world number one, Jannik Sinner, already knows what it’s like to reach semifinals, although I think grass might be his most vulnerable surface. And then there are Djokovic and Alcaraz, beyond these three names, it’s hard to predict,” points out the holder of eleven individual titles.
MURRAY’S ROLE
With the experience of being one of the best tennis players in the history of his country, Henman loves to closely follow all his compatriots, whether on or off the court. In the case of Andy Murray, a friend with whom he shares a nice friendship, it is added that he now serves as the main coach of a Novak Djokovic who will need all the wisdom of the Scot to achieve that Grand Slam that eluded him so much in 2024. What is curious is the way Murray transitioned from being a recently retired player to becoming a rookie coach.
- “My advice to Andy after retiring was to take some time off, although obviously it was advice he didn’t take,” I recall with good humor. “I also don’t think he saw this opportunity coming, for sure it was more of an unexpected call. In the end, we talk about the opportunity to work with one of the greats of our sport, an offer too good to turn down. For us, it was fascinating to see them together in Australia, to see Andy so relaxed was even amusing. I’m sure Andy has a lot to offer in this project,” he concludes excitedly.
