Andy Murray expresses concerns over LTA chief's resignation

Sir Andy Murray has branded Michael Downey's resignation as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association "disappointing" and another example of short-term thinking at the top of British tennis.

Downey announced on Thursday he would be quitting in June after only three years in the role and instead returning to his previous post as head of Tennis Canada.

The Canadian cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a key factor behind his decision.

Murray has endured a frosty relationship with Downey, the Scot admitting at the end of 2015 that the pair had spoken only once in what was then more than two years since Downey's appointment.

The revelation came in the wake of Britain winning the Davis Cup as Murray delivered a wider condemnation of the LTA for failing to capitalise on his success.

Speaking ahead of the start of the Australian Open on Monday, the British number one was asked for his reaction to Downey's departure.

"I wasn't really surprised," Murray said. "I think everyone kind of thought that's always what was going to happen there.

"It's disappointing really because it's just another change for British tennis. Someone new will come in with a different direction for another three, four years, then it will change again.

"I think for a system that's - maybe everyone would say that's not really worked for quite a long time - for change to happen, you need someone, or a team, in there that's going to be in it for the long haul and not just a few years."

A similar lack of continuity has surrounded the position of LTA performance director, whose primary job is to produce elite British players of the future.

Downey's initial appointment of Australian Bob Brett lasted less than a year before Peter Keen filled the role on an interim basis. Simon Timson, previously UK Sport's performance director, then took over permanently in November.

On Downey's successor, Murray said: "I really hope the next appointment is something long-term. You can't expect results, obviously, immediately. I don't think there should be loads of pressure on that person to get stuff done straight away.

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"But, yeah, I'd like to see a long-term appointment so that there's actually a chance for change to happen, but then stick.

"I think if you just do three years, then another three years, and just keep switching all the time, it's not good for anyone."

On the court, Britain's players have enjoyed a remarkable week, with Johanna Konta winning her second WTA title at the Sydney International on Friday and Dan Evans attempting to make it a double in the men's final against Gilles Muller on Saturday. Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares were also runners-up in the men's doubles.

"It's obviously a great week for a lot of Brits," Murray said.

"Obviously Jo winning was great. My brother in the final. It will be the best week that Britain's had at tour level in forever probably."

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Murray is bidding to extend that success at the Australian Open, where he has reached five finals but lost on every occasion, four times to Novak Djokovic and once to Roger Federer.

He arrives, however, with the added confidence of a world number one ranking, not to mention his knighthood.

Australia's chief broadcaster for the tournament, Channel 7, has told its commentators to say 'Sir Andy Murray' and the Briton admits fellow players have used the title, albeit in jest.

"Some players have called me 'Sir', but not genuinely I don't think," said a smiling Murray, who opens up against Ukraine's Illya Marchenko on Monday.

"I'm more than happy just being Andy. That's enough for me. If they call me Andy, that's cool, I'd be happy with that."

PA.