After his split with Ivan Lendl, Andy Murray is now looking for a new coach. In recent interviews, he has said that he would take his time in picking someone new. Rumours are circulating that Murray hopes to appoint a coach by the French Open in May. It will take someone great to fill the shoes of Lendl. He guided Murray to his first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open, his Olympic gold medal and watched as he became the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936. Impressive!
I, for one, will miss seeing Lendl’s facial expressions when Murray plays.
Lendl’s reaction after Andy breaks his hand (not really, but it probably would be!). Photo Credit: Fibula
Lendl’s reaction after Murray wins Wimbledon. Photo Credit: Colin Houston
Who will take his place in Murray’s corner? Here’s just some of the people I think have a shot at the job.
Andre Agassi
Agassi has never expressed any desire to coach but he might be tempted to coach a 2-time Grand Slam champion. When playing, his strongest surface was hardcourt- something he has in common with Murray. Both men also have excellent returns of serve and the ability to break down their opponent’s game. Agassi was known as “The Punisher” on the tour – who doesn’t want to be coached by a man with that nickname??
With his performances, unorthodox apparel and attitude, Agassi is still cited as one of the most charismatic players in the game. He is credited with helping revive the popularity of tennis during the 1990s. Photo Credit: ph-stop
Paul Annacone
He’s coached Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, 2 of the greatest players to play the game, and is now coaching one of the up-and-coming female stars, Sloane Stephens. Annacone led Federer to 2 World Tour Finals titles, his 7th Wimbledon title and his return to World Number 1. He coached Sampras for nearly 7 years. Annacone’s got the credentials. He may be coaching someone now, but things change.
Annacone may not have had the best career as a player but his coaching accomplishments speak volumes. Photo Credit: Kate
Martina Navratilova
There are no female coaches on the men’s tour these days. Jimmy Connors and Marat Safin were coached by their mothers but that’s about the extend of it. Martina‘s got 59 Grand Slam titles to her name, taking into account singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Navratilova was a machine on court, quite emotional and very determined – like Murray. There’s no doubt that the combined star power of Martina-Murray could be a blockbuster pairing. Lendl was Murray’s first coaching job. It would be an even bigger coup if the Scot got Martina on board.
Davy Fitzgerald
Imagine seeing Davy getting thrown out of Wimbledon for swearing and shouting? Worth the price of admission! Both men are similar – passionate, ambitious and successful. Davy might hand Andy a hurl instead of a racquet. He might not know much about tennis but who cares?!
Me
Sure why not! I can live vicariously through his achievements.
Photo Credit: Boston Public Library