Tim Henman admits that Wimbledon has faced tough challenges to be staged this year, but says they are outweighed by the excitement of its return.

The 2020 Championships were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, meaning it was missing from the sporting calendar for the first time since World War Two.

This year's edition will go ahead in just over a fortnight, but it will be a very different tournament, with spectators' currently restricted to 25 per cent capacity and all players forced to enter a bubble that requires them to stay in a designated hotel.

Henman, who is on the Wimbledon board, told the PA news agency: "I was at Wimbledon on Wednesday and it was amazing to see the courts looking immaculate as ever, some of the stands around the outside courts going up, the flowers coming into full bloom. There is a real buzz of anticipation around.

Henman added: "I am hoping he can just have a bit of luck with his body and get back out there because it has been four years since he was able to be out competing.

"He has had so many challenges and set-backs, his commitment, dedication is incredible. To have the opportunity of playing at Queen's, where he has had so much success, I really hope he is able to do that."

Former British number one Greg Rusedski has seen Murray practising in recent days and says the signs are positive.

He told the PA news agency: "I have been lucky enough that I have been practising at Wimbledon and I have been able to see him, I actually saw him two days ago.

"He is striking the ball beautifully, forehands and backhands looked great. It's not about stroke production, it's about how his movement is going to be.

"Until you get into a match situation you don't know. It is going to be how the movement and that is what we will see in the first match.

"If it's alright he has got a chance to play well, if the movement isn't good enough that is when it becomes challenging.

"The grass courts are relatively soft on the body. If he can move there is no question he can perform well."

:: The Cinch Championships is available to watch on Prime Video from 14th June