When Amelie Mauresmo was considering whether to take the job as coach of Andy Murray early last summer, her own former coach, Loic Courteau, reportedly told her "not to hesitate for a quarter of a second in taking it".
It was sound advice, a tip that Mauresmo took and, seven months into her reign as the Scot's coach, it is the Frenchwoman who may be about to return the favour.
Mauresmo, the former world No.1, credits Courteau for his role in having helped her to overcome nerves on the big occasions, win two grand slam titles and reach the top of the women's rankings.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that Mauresmo and Courteau have discussed a possible move into the Murray camp, though, last night, sources said Murray himself had not spoken to the 50-year-old about any possible arrangement.
When Murray broke off ties with his long-time assistant coach, Dani Vallverdu last month - one of his fitness coaches, Jez Green, also departed - it was made clear he would be looking for a replacement.
A former top-40 doubles player, Courteau is currently coach to another French player, Julien Benneteau, and as such is not immediately available but he said yesterday he had spoken to Benneteau about the possibility and the idea of joining the two-time grand slam champion is clearly one that excites him.
"A few weeks ago, I had discussions with Amelie, who spoke with Andy," Courteau told L'Equipe. "I had not been able to talk directly with him, as he was leaving the Philippines [after playing in the International Premier Tennis League].
"It [the plan] was to work with him in the year, with a base in England. For the moment, it does not happen. I'm not saying it will not happen, because I do not know. But at the Australian Open, I will be with Julien.
"Today it is a very interesting challenge to lead Murray and, in addition, with Amelie, it is fabulous. It would be necessary for Murray to make me an offer that I can't refuse to go there."
After a tough season during which Murray briefly dropped out of the top 10 as he struggled to recover top form after back surgery in September 2013, the 27-year-old won three titles as he scrambled into the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London at the end of the season.
Murray will begin 2015 as the world No.6 and he is desperate to regain his place toward the very top of the game, a goal that brings with it an awareness that new faces could be the way forward.
The challenge of helping Murray add to his grand slam tally would be something that many top coaches would be keen to sign up to and the Scot has always been open to new ideas.
Murray is now back in the UK after a rigorous training camp in Florida, where Mauresmo was in attendance. After spending Christmas at home, he will head to Dubai to play in an exhibition event before going to Perth for the Hopman Cup, where he will team up with Guernsey's Heather Watson.
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