• ATP Tour

Lloyd slams Murray's attitude

ESPN staff
July 5, 2011
Andy Murray lost at the semi-final stage at Wimbledon © PA Photos
Enlarge

Former Davis Cup captain David Lloyd claims that Andy Murray's mental weakness is stopping him from challenging Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at the top of the men's game.

Murray fell at the semi-final stage at Wimbledon, losing in four sets to Nadal, and is still searching for his first grand slam crown.

He has repeatedly found himself in positions to land majors, reaching the final on three occasions - and losing each time without taking a set.

Now Lloyd has called for Murray, who is without a full-time coach, to appoint someone who is willing to stand up to him.

"I know it's a silly thing, but mental stuff in tennis is so important," Lloyd told the BBC. "It's a one-to-one game. If he could change his image a little bit and go on with a little bit more fight. When players get to the third of fourth set of a five-setter, he's not going to be as tough mentally as them.

"He has great shots in him - one of the best back-hands in the world. I think he just needs a mental change and a change in his attitude.

"If you look at Nadal, Djokovic and Federer when they come on the court, they have a demeanour. They are exceptionally well-dressed and clean-shaven. Andy doesn't come on like that.

"I would concentrate on finding a coach of real power who is not going to bow down to Andy and stand up to him."

Murray is in Davis Cup action for Great Britain this weekend against Luxembourg.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices