Murray parts company with Corretja

 

Originally published on: 29/03/11 15:25

Andy Murray has parted ways with part-time coach Alex Corretja, increasing speculation that he may finally turn to an experienced coach to take his game to the next level.

Keen to stress that the decision to part was mutual, Murray described the Spaniard as a friend and a mentor.

“I’ve had a really good relationship with Alex over the past three years,” said the Scot. “I have learned so much from being around him and I want to thank him for his hard work, enthusiasm, dedication and support.”

“He has been a great friend as well as a mentor to me and we’ve shared lots of success and good times both on and off the court.”

Corretja, a former French Open finalist and world No.2, was similarly complimentary.

“Helping Andy has been a great experience for me, he’s got great talent and can be one of the best on any surface,” he said.

“I am very thankful to him for his confidence and trust during this time and also to his family, and the rest of Andy’s team.

“I wish Andy, his family and all his team all the best both personally and professionally.”

Murray’s coaching set-up has come under increasing speculation of late following his inability to win so much as a set since his semi-final win over David Ferrer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The Scot handed friend and hitting partner Dani Vallverdu, who he met while they were both juniors at the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona, a greater role, but has come under increasing pressure to seek an experienced coach – including from his brother Jamie.

“I think he could do with some advice from the right person,” his older brother was quoted as saying this week.

That right person is unlikely to be eight time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl, who is said to be interested in guiding the Scot.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here