Ahead of the upcoming Wimbledon Championships, there is much to rejoice for Andy Murray fans. The World No. 2 is set to re-unite with his former coach Ivan Lendl from as early as next week.
It is expected that the former World No. 1 Czech will be at Murray’s side during his first round match at the Aegon Championships on Tuesday where he will be defending his title.
This is definitely a shot in the arm for the top-ranked Briton after coming off his best-ever clay season where he reached the French Open final for the first time. His previous stint with Lendl delivered the most successful period of Murray’s career where he won the 2013 Wimbledon title, besides glory at the US Open and the Olympics in 2012.
But incessant travelling took a toll on the eight-time Grand Slam champion and the two parted ways in March, 2012 after which the Scot teamed up with Amelie Mauresmo. Since joining forces with the former numero uno Frenchwoman, Murray did reach three more Major finals but titles at the biggest stage continued to elude him.
Murray and Mauresmo officially called it quits this May and the Briton was under the tutelage of former British Davis Cup player Jamie Delgado but he was on the constant lookout for a top coach.
Speculations were rife that the World No. 2 wanted the Czech back in his team in Paris but convincing him to do the hectic travelling once again seemed a task unattainable.
It now appears that it was Lendl who messaged Murray on Saturday that he was ready to be on his side once again, according to BBC’s Russell Fuller.
In a statement, Murray said: “I had two very successful years working with Ivan, he’s single-minded and knows what it takes to win the big events. I’m looking forward to Ivan joining the team again and helping me try and reach my goals.”
The 56-year-old Lendl, on his part, said: “I enjoyed working with Andy in the past. Andy and I have always stayed in contact so it should be fun to be part of his team again.”
The Czech is also associated with the United States Tennis Association’s player development programme but it is hoped that he would still be able to devote enough time to Murray during the major tournaments, important training blocks and even a few Masters events.
More to follow.
