Tim Henman: What Andy Murray must do to triumph this week
The expert view: Six keys to victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One step at a time
There's a massive amount of speculation that goes on, but from Andy's point of view it's very simple and he knows it: you can't get ahead of yourself. He's got his fourth-round match tomorrow and he's got to have all his focus on that. It's such a great example when you see [Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal lose, because there's no way they weren't focused on their opponents. But it goes to show that if you're not quite on your game you can lose, and Andy will be aware of that.
More of the same
I thought against [Tommy] Robredo on Friday he was very aggressive from the baseline, hit the ball so cleanly. So he will be looking for first-serve percentage, looking to get three points on the serve. And obviously dictating from the back, trying to be proactive rather than reactive, is always something that is important for Andy. Just go for it. So far, so good, he's playing great, so more of the same.
Profit from the past
It's not like he has suddenly changed overnight. All the work he had done, all the improvements in his game, physically how good he is now; all that work physically helps you mentally. [Ivan] Lendl's mental impact, his game-style, the way that he plays. They all add up. Certainly, I think it showed the character of Andy that after losing in the Wimbledon final, which was the biggest disappointment of his career to that point, he could come back 28 days later and beat Federer on the same court over five sets [in the Olympic final]. And to back it up, too, with a Grand Slam title. Obviously, to have won his first Grand Slam away from Wimbledon probably helps him coming into this week."
Use the crowd support
If I could have played every match on Centre Court I would have absolutely loved it. The atmosphere and the support that I had, it was the best. I think sometimes people have this feeling that it's a weight and there's a negative element. For me that was never the case.
Stay fit
He was struggling in his early days because he was so good but his body hadn't developed. He was so young. Everyone was saying, "Oh, he's not fit enough". Because he wasn't strong enough yet. He couldn't put in the work, otherwise he would have damaged his body. Now he's matured and his physical conditioning is as good as anyone's. It's for everyone to see how strong and how fast and fit he is. That is important for the week ahead.
Be lucky
It always helps. You are not going to turn it down! The schedule is good, he was in Roger's half so he played on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with an extra few days off. You don't want to rely on it, but if it comes along at the right time, then you won't say no.
Tim Henman is an Ambassador for HSBC, official banking partner of The Championships
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments