John McEnroe has 'a lot to offer' says coachless Andy Murray

World No 8 says that he speaks to the American around tournaments

Paul Newman
Sunday 04 May 2014 14:25 EDT
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John McEnroe and Andy Murray pictured in 2011
John McEnroe and Andy Murray pictured in 2011 (GETTY IMAGES)

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Andy Murray has not ruled out being coached by John McEnroe after the American said last week that he would be interested in working with him. Although it is hard to see McEnroe finding enough time to do the job, Murray said he had “a lot to offer”.

The world No 8, who is playing in this week’s Madrid Masters, told the BBC: “I speak to him a lot around tournaments. I have always got on well with him and he has always said nice things to me and about me. He obviously has a lot to offer. It is interesting. Whether anything comes from it, who knows?

“Obviously when someone like that shows an interest, you have to take that into consideration because he is a great tennis player. He loves the game, is very passionate about it and was extremely competitive as well. When you are very competitive as a player, you are likely to be so as a coach as well and that is also of benefit.”

Whether McEnroe would want to make the necessary commitment to work with Murray is another matter. The American has his own academy in New York, still plays on the seniors circuit and has many media commitments.

The Scot had been hoping to have a new coach in place before the French Open, which starts in less than three weeks’ time, but admitted that he might have to wait. However he still aims to make an appointment before Wimbledon.

The draw in Madrid could see Murray face Roger Federer in the quarter-finals and Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

Murray’s brother, Jamie, and his Australian partner, John Peers, won the doubles title in Munich, beating the British pair of Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins 6-4, 6-2. It was Hutchins’ first appearance in a final since beginning his comeback following treatment for cancer.

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