"I certainly believe they will": Tim Henman implores Andy Murray to keep going with rewards to come at the end as retirement rumors continue

Former World No.1 Andy Murray has been encouraged by compatriot Tim Henman to ignore his critics and shut out any retirement talks, as the British star struggles to regain his form on tour.

Murray had been having a terrible run over the past few months, losing six consecutive matches in a row dating back to October of last year. The three-time Grand Slam champion finally broke through when he secured a win at the ongoing Qatar Open, but subsequently suffered a painful loss to 18-year-old Jakub Mensik, who was born the year Murray turned professional.

With Murray likely to suffer a significant drop in the ATP rankings due to him making the final in Qatar last year, several fans have called on the 36-year old to retire. However, former British No.1 Henman is of the opinion that Murray will see better results, provided he doesn't get distracted by the outside noise and focus on his matches.

"There’s been certain chat about whether he should be contemplating retirement. I don’t support that," said Henman. “Being a professional tennis player is the best job in the world. While he has the hunger and desire and motivation to keep working hard and he’s enjoying himself then he should keep going. There’s plenty of time to be retired.
“With what he’s achieved in the game to have won three grand slams and two Olympic Games, it would be very easy to say thanks very much and sail off into the sunset. The rewards are on the court winning matches so he’ll be the most frustrated of anyone that he’s not playing the way he’s capable of. He will keep putting the work in in the belief that the results will come. I certainly believe they will."