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Courier questions timing of Lendl's return

Ivan Lendl has denied Jim Courier's comments © PA Photos

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Four-time grand slam champion Jim Courier has suggested Ivan Lendl's return to tennis as Andy Murray's coach was for reasons other than a desire to help the Scot end his grand slam hoodoo.

Lendl has just begun working with Murray, as the British No. 1 looks to learn from the experiences of the United States citizen - who won eight grand slams and spent 270 weeks at world No. 1 during his illustrious career - in order to claim his maiden grand slam.

However, Courier insists the reason behind Lendl's return is for less straightforward reasons. He took disability benefit when he retired in 1994 due to severe back problems, and Courier hinted that only now has enough time passed for Lendl to return without facing the prospect of having to repay some or all of the support he received.

Lendl returned to the ATP Champions Tour in 2010, although he has only played infrequently due to various injuries.

"There is a reason [for Lendl's return] and it is a little bit more mercenary," Courier told Australian television. "He hasn't been allowed to make any money from tennis for the past 15 years because he cashed in disability insurance. That's the reason Ivan is back again. There are all sorts of complexities there.

"That said, I think it is great that Ivan is back. I don't like it when our champions disappear and lose contact with the sport. Now he will be 20-25 weeks on the road. It is great to have him back."

Lendl, however, immediately refuted the suggestion when it was put to him.

"That is ridiculous," he said. "Jim should not be saying things like that. He does not have the proper information. End of story."

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