ANDY Murray is considering his coaching options again this morning after bringing an end to his groundbreaking two-year relationship with Amelie Mauresmo. A statement released yesterday confirmed that the pair, who began working with each other in June 2014, had mutually decided to go their separate ways. While both parties spoke warmly of their time together last night, Mauresmo also hinted that she was finding it hard to commit to the time and travel required. The Frenchwoman gave birth to her first son Aaron last summer.
“I’ve learned a lot from Amelie over the last two years, both on and off the court," said the Scot, who dropped to World No 3 in the wake of his three-set defeat to nemesis Novak Djokovic in the final of the Madrid Masters last week. "She’s been a calming influence in the team and we will all miss having her around. I’ll take some time to consider the next steps and how we progress from here, but I’d like to thank her for everything she has done, she’s been an invaluable member of the team."
While Murray flies into Rome for his next assignment on the tour in the company of Jamie Delgado, a friend who was only formally added to his team after January's Australian Open, Mauresmo insisted her time with the Scot had been a "fantastic experience". The first time a high profile figure in the men's game has been coached by a female, the Frenchwoman's time with Murray saw him regain the World No 2 slot last year and claim his first clay court titles.
"Working with Andy over the last two years has been a fantastic experience for me", said Mauresmo. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the great team of people he has around him. Dedicating enough time along with the travel has been a challenge for me. I wish him and his team well and I hope he goes on to win many more titles."
The move comes just a week before the French Open gets under way at Roland Garros, in Mauresmo's home city of Paris, leaving little time for Murray to make any new appointment in the short term. He turns 29 this Sunday, and has a big summer of tennis ahead of him. Sandwiched in between Wimbledon and the US Open is the small matter of retaining his Olympic singles crown in Rio.
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