Boris Becker has said Andy Murray will have a “big chip on his shoulder” if he retires from tennis due to injury.
The retired German player, 51, urged Murray to have hip surgery and believes he can get back to the top.
Murray tearfully announced on the eve of the Australian Open that he was planning to retire because of ongoing hip pain, but an operation could potentially allow him to play again.
However there are no guarantees, as no singles player has successfully come back from such an operation, and he could choose to make a farewell appearance at Wimbledon.
But Becker, who coached Murray’s rival Novak Djokovic for three years, believes the 31-year-old Briton would regret not trying the surgical route.
He said: “I really like Andy, I know him well, but I really wish he’s not forced (to retire) because of an injury. I think that’s the worst for an athlete.
“So if there’s a possibility medically to get better so he can finish on his own terms, I think it’s vital for him and maybe the rest of his life. Because you will have a big chip on your shoulder.
“I’ve seen other athletes that have been forced out of their sport they love because of injury.
“Yes, he’s been fighting it for 18 months and he’s tried everything, but we’re in 2019, there are new treatments for every type of injury, you just have to find the right doctors.”
Murray produced an extraordinary performance in the first round of the Australian Open, losing over five sets to the world no 23, Roberto Bautista Agut, in a match that lasted four hours and nine minutes.
Becker believes that should give him encouragement.
He said: “It wasn’t his first tournament after a lengthy lay-off so I wasn’t surprised about the level.
“He was number one in the world when he stopped 18 months ago and that’s not an eternity so, when fit, he’s one of the best. It’s a question of time.
“If he gets treated the right way, in my opinion, then he can come back and play some good matches.”
Murray played only 12 matches last year and, returning to the Brisbane International at the beginning of January, he won his opening match but lost in the second round, visibly limping at times.
He is expected to decide his future in the next few days.
