"I would certainly sign up to see them play one more time": Tim Henman hopes for Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal reunion at Qatar Open

Former British No.1, Tim Henman hopes to see a reunion between Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray one last time and hopefully at the Qatar Open where they will both play over the next week.

With both in the twilight of their career, they are usually not drawn together and so they haven't played for a long time. But it is always an intriguing match up when they do which Henman hopes for.

"We would love that,’ former British No.1 Henman said to Metro.co.uk. ‘To see them both healthy and back on the court… I’ve got to say, Rafa’s level in Brisbane was impressive.
"Having not played for a whole year and then to come back and play like that. He lost a really tight one against Jordan Thompson and then had a bit of a setback.
"We’ve been blessed with so many great rivalries in the sport. Murray and Nadal, I can’t remember how many times they have played, but I would certainly sign up to see them play one more time!’

For Murray, Henman said that it has gone downhill since his Wimbledon loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas where he produced one of his best displays in a long time but still lost. Henman snubbed the idea of retirement and said that it is up to the former World No.1 at the end of it all.

"It was a really frustrating match,’ Henman added. "Andy was playing the best tennis I have seen him play in five years. To be up two sets to one and then have to come back the next day, he lost the momentum and to lose that match was massively frustrating.

"The second half of the year was also frustrating for Andy. This year, to not pick up any wins, you can see and hear how frustrated Andy is. There has been some chat around his retirement but for me I don’t agree with that in any way, shape or form.
"As long as he wants to be out there, working hard and putting the hours in and making sacrifices, he should do it for as long as he wants.
"But he’s a competitor. He doesn’t want go into tournaments making up the numbers and winning a match here or there.
"So he has got to fight his way out of this. Getting matches under your belt is what you need and match wins. When you look at the tournaments he’s playing and the opponents he’s up against, it’s not easy.
"If he wants to drop down to Challenger level to get some matches then so be it. He’s done that in the past with success to build that momentum. He’s so experienced and knows what’s best for him. He’ll work it out and I hope he can get back to winning ways.’