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Murray changes tack in search for coach

ESPN staff
April 7, 2011
Andy Murray is on the hunt for a new coach © Getty Images
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Andy Murray has changed his approach to his recruitment for a new coach and is no longer on the hunt for a high-profile name.

The British No. 1 has been without a full-time trainer since last summer, and is on the lookout for a new coach after splitting with part-time consultant Alex Corretja last week.

Murray revealed on Wednesday that he will work with Andre Agassi's former trainer Darren Cahill and Sven Groeneveld, who has worked with Ana Ivanovic and Greg Rusedski, in his build-up to the French Open.

He had been linked with former world No. 1 Ivan Lendl, but after spending time at heavyweight David Haye's gym in Florida, Murray has now hinted that he feels a big-name coach may not be the best solution.

Murray feels the dynamic between him and a coach both on and off-court is more important than coaching credentials.

"I spent a bit of time with David Haye in Miami," Murray told The Sun. "I was talking to him about individual sports and the people that you work with.

"I do joke around a lot with the guys I work with and it's exactly the same with him. He works with Adam Booth and he'd never coached anyone before but he works perfectly with David.

"He understands David. So it's not always about having that high-profile guy. Once you are on the court or in the ring that's the time to work and be serious.

"The relationship is important, on and off the court. I'm not saying they need to be comedians, you just need to get on well."

However, former British No. 1 Chris Wilkinson has warned Murray not to appoint a 'mate' and hire a coach who he respects.

"What is important is that Murray gets away from his 'mates' syndrome' - he needs to hire someone who is bigger than he is," Wilkinson wrote in his column for ESPN.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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