• ATP Tour

Lendl: Murray just needs time on clay

ESPN staff
April 23, 2013
Andy Murray has remained in Monte Carlo for more practice on clay © Getty Images
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Court time is all Andy Murray need to build his confidence on clay, according to coach Ivan Lendl.

The world No. 3 bowed out of the Monte Carlo Masters, his first clay court event of the season, in the second round after a tame 6-1 6-2 defeat by Stanislas Wawrinka laced with 24 unforced errors.

Having played just two matches on clay and with the French Open starting on May 26, Murray has remained in Monaco to gain more time on the slow, slippery courts.

And Lendl believes time is all Murray needs to make the necessary adjustments to his movement to compete at the highest level on clay, which Murray's openly admits is his weakest surface.

"I am just looking for volume," Lendl told the Guardian. "I think Andy understands that as well. He needs to play sets, he needs to spend time on clay.

"Two days ago [practising with Tomas Berdych] he was sliding and losing balance a bit, today he was better.

"It was different ball coming back from Berdych than from Dani [Vallverdu, Murray's hitting partner] and me, but he looks more comfortable moving around - and that means he will hit better shots as well.

"If you feel like you're not moving well, you have to go for shots you wouldn't go for normally, so you can be more patient."

Murray's next competitive clay court outing will come at the Madrid Masters in two weeks' time, followed by the Rome Masters before the French Open.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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