Belsize sports hypnotherapist says Andy Murray is not ready to end Wimbledon hurt

Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Great Britain’s Andy Murray with their trophies. Picture: EMPICS Sport

As Andy Murray choked tearfully “I’m getting closer” following his Wimbledon defeat, one Belsize Park hypnotherapist shook his head in disagreement – Britain’s number one is not yet ready to make his mark on history, he believes.

Master hypnotherapist Peter Gilmour at Queen’s Club

Master hypnotherapist Peter Gilmour helped Sachin Tendulkar – one the world’s greatest batsmen – to reach his 100th Test century with a dose of hypnotherapy via video link to India.

And now Mr Gilmour claims the world number four tennis player could also use a helping hand to overcome his inner demons, break his Grand Slam duck and end 76 years of hurt that have passed since a home player was crowned Wimbledon champion.

While hypnotherapy is often dismissed as “mumbo jumbo”, Mr Gilmour insists the method of deep relaxation is a means of communicating and healing the subconscious mind and the “true self”.

“I think Murray was overwrought by the whole situation on Sunday,” said the 59-year-old who splits his time between his practice in Haverstock Hill and Queen’s Club in west London.

“The problem is the celebrations in the first set were just over the top with his mum, girlfriend and camp jumping to their feet with ‘come ons’ – everyone except for (coach) Ivan Lendl that is.

“His camp should take note from him and Lendl should get them in order. Murray needs to be far less connected to his camp and focus on what he is doing.”

In the post-match interview Murray fought back tears and could not bear to make eye contact with his corner for fear he might break down.

While it might have endeared him to the public, Mr Gilmour said it “reflected his mental weakness” and demonstrated the need for him to undergo some mental training.

Mr Gilmour, who became interested in the treatment after watching his son Josh smash racquets and swear blind on the junior tennis circuit, said: “If he (Murray) was sitting here right now I would hypnotise him and remove some of that pain – the past is no good to him.

“The reason why hypnosis is better than anything else like sports psychology – which is a bit old fashioned – is because we are talking straight to the subconscious or true self where behaviour patterns are created.”

Mr Gilmour, who trained at the British Academy of Hypnosis, splits his time between football clubs, tennis players and general practice.

Residents of Hampstead and Belsize Park have approached Mr Gilmour to help them stop smoking, overcome fears of public speaking and for stress relief.

“You get people who are very confident in their professional lives, but are traumatised by the idea of speaking in public and it’s something which can be fixed.

“The problem is people think you’re going to control their mind or turn them into a chicken, but it’s about relaxation and getting past the conscious mind and into the creative subconscious.”