Who does Murray hire next? Five possible coaching options for the Scot

Sport360 staff 22:42 09/05/2016
Andy Murray is on the lookout for a new coach.

The British number one enjoyed a successful relationship with the Frenchwoman and needs a strong replacement if he is to add to his two grand slam titles.

Former British Davis Cup player Jamie Delgado, who was already in Murray’s camp as an assistant to Mauresmo, is expected to take on a more prominent role on an interim basis. Here, Sport360.com takes a look at five contenders to be Murray’s next full-time coach.

1. Mats Wilander

Wilander is certainly not short of pedigree, having won seven grand slam titles. Like Murray, he was adept on grass, clay and hard courts, remaining the only man other than Rafael Nadal to collect at least two major triumphs on each. Wilander is an avid follower of the modern game, not least through his broadcasting commitments, but he did appear to rule himself out of the running in 2014. Earlier this year, he ended a partnership with American Madison Keys after just eight days.

2. Martina Navratilova

Murray broke convention by appointing a female coach in Mauresmo and later said he enjoyed the dynamic of working with a woman. It seems natural then to suppose he might choose another and who better than 18-time grand slam champion Navratilova? The Czech has admitted she enjoys life on the road, which is a major plus for Murray given the high level of commitment he demands from his coaches. But would the pair get on? Navratilova has a straight-talking personality and her last partnership, with Pole Agnieszka Radwanska, lasted only five months.

3. Andre Agassi

Agassi has often been talked about as an ideal mentor for Murray, given the obvious similarities in their baseline styles and strengths in return of serve. Agassi knows what it takes to tackle a dominant force like Novak Djokovic too, given he encountered a similar superpower in Pete Sampras, and, like Murray, had to learn to combat his own emotions on court. The American, however, has a young family and has said previously he would struggle with the amount of time needed to be a full-time coach. That is unlikely to have changed.

4. Roger Rasheed

Rasheed was reportedly close to getting the job before Ivan Lendl took the reins in 2011 and the Australian motivator would surely jump at the chance now. He is free after splitting with Grigor Dimitrov last year and has experience working with top players, having enjoyed success with Lleyton Hewitt, Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. There are few obvious drawbacks, except his unremarkable playing record – Rasheed’s highest singles ranking was 192.

5. Ivan Lendl

Is a reunion completely out of the question? Murray was extremely disappointed when Lendl ended their partnership in 2014 and understandably so, after the Scot won two grand slam titles under his stewardship. Lendl felt unable to give Murray the weeks he wanted but after some time away, perhaps he would reconsider. No other coach has been more successful with the British number one and on this occasion there may be merit in going back.

Recommended