Ivan Lendl would help Andy Murray, says Boris Becker
Boris Becker has urged Andy Murray to consider employing Ivan Lendl as his coach, though he admitted it would be “a big wake-up call” for a player he says is in crisis.
Struggling: Andy Murray has not won a set since the Australian Open in January Photo: REUTERS
By Mark Hodgkinson 9:35PM BST 28 Mar 2011
Becker told Telegraph Sport that Lendl, the Czech-born American citizen who was known as a player for his mental fortitude and self-discipline, would not tolerate the Scot losing his concentration in matches or screaming at his entourage.
It is understood that Lendl, who won eight grand-slam titles and held the world No1 ranking for 270 weeks, is interested in coaching Murray.
“In his time, no one worked as hard as Ivan did. It is no secret that he was not as talented as, say, John McEnroe, but he made up for that with his incredible discipline, hard work and determination, and he would expect the same from Andy.
“Ivan was a true modern professional, one of the first players to work so hard on his diet and fitness, and he was so dedicated to his tennis and to winning, so I don’t think he would allow any childish behaviour from Andy.
“I really wouldn’t recommend, if they do end up working together, that Andy screams at Ivan, in the way he has maybe screamed at other coaches, as Ivan would not put up with that,” said Becker. “Working with Ivan would be a big wake-up call for Andy.”
For some time now, the German has argued that Murray requires the assistance of an established figure in tennis. He was pleased to hear about the possible connection with Lendl. “Ivan is one of the most successful players in the history of the game, and Murray would have to be quiet and listen to him.
“I really hope that Andy has accepted that he needs an experienced coach, and that he needs help with his game.
“Andy is in crisis now and he requires some crisis management. From what I saw of Ivan as a player, I believe that he would be good for Andy. Andy has lost his first three grand-slam finals. Ivan lost his first four and went on to win eight grand slams,” said Becker.
“Ivan was so professional at all times, he always gave his all. Ivan would never give anything away on a tennis court, never give away any free points, yet Andy has a tendency to let his mind wander during matches and to lose his focus and concentration.
Ivan would not stand for that, and would say to Andy: ‘You’ve worked so hard, you’ve put all that effort in, so why are you now throwing it all away?’”
Murray’s straight-sets defeat in south Florida to Alex Bogomolov Jr, an American qualifier ranked 128 in the world, meant that he has not won even a set since he lost the final of January’s Australian Open to Novak Djokovic.
Despite his troubles in America, Murray is expected to move up one place in the rankings next week.
The current world No4, Sweden’s Robin Soderling, lost to Argentina’s Juan Martín del Potro in the third round of Miami’s Sony Ericsson Open and so failed to defend the points he won by reaching last season’s semi-finals.
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