French Open: Could John McEnroe be signing up to coach Andy Murray?

Andy Murray with John McEnroe

Even as the rain is keeping the covers firmly in place over the court on Phillippe Chatrier, the secrecy surrounding Andy Murray’s decision on his next coach may have been blown. John McEnroe attended an invite only press conference arranged specifically for a select band of journalists, mainly the British press. Even though I tried to attend the presser, I was asked to leave by the attache running the presser in the media facility inside Chatrier. Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that McEnroe could be among a shortlist of candidates being considered by Andy Murray as he continues his quest for a man or woman to take over reins since the Scot parted ways with Ivan Lendl.

Murray did insist earlier during the tournament that he was no willing to make an announcement even as the tournament is under progress. The firebrand American also spoke about his desire to work with the British star. The Daily Mail had reported that the 55 year old was open to work with Murray should he be approached. McEnroe was quoted as saying “yes, of course,” to a question as to whether he might want to work with Murray. “I am pretty busy doing my own thing but when you get opportunities to coach great players, it is definitely something that would be tempting to think about,” McEnroe is quoted to have told the Mail.

But Greg Rusedski, former player and currently a busy TV analyst with the British Eurosport scotched rumours of Murray considering McEnroe citiing the latters busy media commitments. But this specific press conference in the midst of the second week at French Open raises fresh questions surrounding the possibility of McEnroe having more or less agreed a coaching deal with Murray.

Another person who has figured in the noise that has pervaded these past few weeks was Amelie Mauresmo. But the Frenchwoman was at the Fedcup draw today and it appears she might continue in that role through next year at least. A lot of others have been mentioned too –Leon Smith, Martini Navratilova, Jonas Bjorkman, Larry Stefanki and Mats Wilander among them.

Speaking with BBC Sport, Murray said, “I’ve spoken to a few people, male and female. That's not something that really bothers me. I was coached by my mum [Judy] for a long time. I’ve also spoken to a couple of people to get some advice as well, also male and female.” He went on to add, ”not people that are necessarily going to coach me, but people that could advise me on certain people. That's it. I think that's what most players do when they're searching for a coach.”

If it is indeed true that McEnroe is close to sealing an arrangement to work with McEnroe it would be the beginning of a most exciting phase in the career of Murray. The Scot has won the US Open and Wimbledon, but has since been trying to get his game up to the same level as he works his way up from the injury and subsequent surgery to the back. A formal announcement has not been made yet, but there are indications that this might be a likely outcome.

We will wait and watch this space closely and keep you posted as soon as we have an update.