Coaching itch resurfaces for Murray
BRITISH No1 Andy Murray is facing fresh calls to overhaul his coaching team after his grand slam final heartbreak continued at the Australian Open.
Murray was swept aside by Novak Djokovic on Sunday, earning him the dubious distinction of becoming the first man to play three major finals without winning a set.
The Scot has ploughed on without a full-time coach since sacking Miles Maclagan after last year’s Wimbledon – some six months ago.
Murray works part time with Alex Corretja, a clay court specialist, and practices with his best friend Dani Vallverdu, who also provides some background information on opponents. His mother, Judy, a former professional who coached him until he was 12, is a regular spectator at courtside and she too lends her not inconsiderable wisdom.
Yet there are observers who feel Murray (inset) could take his game to the next level if he brought in more specialist help.
Darren Cahill, the Australian who has coached Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi, has been touted as a possible addition to the Murray entourage. Cahill is thought to be an admirer of the gritty 23-year-old and specialises in helping defensive players hit more winners.
Anyone who saw Murray surrender the initiative to the more attacking Djokovic on Sunday would be hard pushed to argue he could not use assistance in that area. With five months until the next grand slam, this might be the perfect time.
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