Tim Henman claims Andy Murray is “scarred for life” and will not return to the commentary box with the BBC at Wimbledon after accepting the job eight years ago. Sir Andy called time on his illustrious playing career two years ago and opted to step into coaching rather than broadcasting, having been put off by his first taste.
However, BBC commentators Andrew Cotter and Tim Henman think they know the exact moment that Murray’s mind was made up to snub following in their footsteps. Murray joined the pair in the booth for Rafael Nadal‘s marathon five-set win over Juan Martin del Potro and he did not take to it very well.
Cotter, speaking during commentary of Novak Djokovic’s clash with Arthur Rinderknech on Friday, said: “I remember the 2018 World Cup when England were playing Croatia in the semi-final. Tim, you and I were in here alongside Andy Murray watching Rafael Nadal against Juan Martin del Potro. One of the great matches of all time.
“I think that was the commentary that convinced Andy Murray that he didn’t want to do it again.”
Henman added: “[Chuckles] exactly yeah, it was one of the great Wimbledon matches wasn’t it. Four-and-a-half hours later Andy Murray never wanted to commentate again. That spoke volumes for us. It scarred him for life.”
Earlier this year Murray addressed why he never fancied picking up the mic after retirement. He explained: “I just have always found tennis commentary and coverage to be quite down the middle.
“I don’t necessarily find it that interesting or that insightful. It’s not something that I really fancy doing, unless it was done in a very different way, and I don’t necessarily think that that would happen at Wimbledon.”