Former British number one tennis star Tim Henman has warned Andy Murray that he needs to protect his body to lengthen his career.

Henman, who retired in 2007, believes that Murray shouldn't play in the US Open at Flushing Meadows, having struggled with a hip problem at Wimbledon.

The injury seemed under control until Murray's crushing exit in the quarter-finals of the tournament to American Sam Querrey, blowing a 2-1 lead and losing the last two sets 6-1.

With the Scot now on the wrong side of 30, he may only have five or six years left at the very top of his game.

And Henman says that he must take a break from the sport to benefit his career.

Henman on what Murray should do

"First and foremost he’s got to get fit and healthy because the standard is too good," he stated.

"You can’t compete unless you are 100 per cent healthy.

"I know he’s seeing some specialists to work out the plan of action and fingers crossed he can be healthy before the US Open.

"If he’s not he must take his time and make sure he gets it right. It was sad and disappointing to see him not able to compete as he would like at Wimbledon."

Thirty-five-year-old Roger Federer missed Roland Garros to focus on the grass court season and went on to win Wimbledon without dropping a set. Consequently, there does seem to be good reasoning behind Henman's thinking, particularly with the Swiss becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to win a major championship.

However, with Novak Djokovic missing the rest of the season with an elbow problem, Murray must see the US Open as a huge chance to add to his three major titles.

Despite the absence of Djokovic, Henman believes that Murray must manage himself properly, as he is physically very different to Federer.

The difference between Murray and Federer

"It will be hard for Andy because one of the most important aspects of Federer’s  longevity is his physique," he said.

"He’s much slighter, not so muscular and not carrying as much weight.

"That’s where I think with Andy he’s got a different physique and it’s more stressful.

"With his style of play he does a lot more running and retrieving and so I’d be surprised to see  Murray playing at 35, 36, but who knows?

"But the priority for Murray is to be 100 per cent healthy."