Tag Archive: Andy Murray

1. Will Andy Murray Coach Nick Kyrgios?

   October 19, 2018 1:05 pm Comments Off on Will Andy Murray Coach Nick Kyrgios?

   By Mark Ryan

   Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios always have fun together.

   There was that hilarious video footage. The pair of them screaming and laughing on a roller-coaster in Cincinnati a few weeks back.

   Then there was the recent Murray post on Instagram. Amusingly he asked Kyrgios when he was going to announce umpire Mohamed Lahyani as his new coach.

   Witty

   That was Andy’s witty take on the controversial pep talk that his younger friend received from Lahyan. The poor umpire had become desperate after some blatant big-match tanking from Nick.

   But Kyrgios isn’t rushing to get a coach. The great John McEnroe hinted a few months back that he would like to do the job.

   The American legend suggested he would fit the bill because they were both “wacky. ”

   Attitude

   Kyrgios reacted dismissively.

   ‘He’s dreaming,’ Nick said, probably remembering all the times McEnroe has criticised his attitude.

   But what if Kyrgios does realise deep down that he needs a coach? Who would he choose if he could?

   Roller-coaster 

   Surely it would be Andy Murray.

   And what an amazing roller-coaster ride they would have on the ATP tour. Part of the same team. At last.

   That would make the thrills and spills of the Cincinnati big dipper look like a stroll in the park.

   Adrenalin

   The chemistry they have already. Then the adrenalin-fuelled challenge of taking Kyrgios to the next, Slam-winning level.

   The chance for Andy to turn Nick’s volatility into sheer, tennis-fizzing brilliance.

   Nick Kyrgios doesn’t need anyone as wacky as Nick Kyrgios. He doesn’t need McEnroe. He needs someone calmer than himself. Calm but funny.

   Explode

   He needs someone relatively young. Someone he gets on with like a house on fire. Who makes him smile when he is about to explode.

   Someone who helps him to enjoy this bizarre tennis life for what it is. Someone who will get the best out of him. Strengthen his mentality, sharpen his competitive edge, turn him into the very best of the new generation.

   We all know who that perfect someone would be for Nick Kyrgios. It would be someone called Andy Murray.

   Bromance

   Nick Kyrgios loves Andy Murray. It is the ultimate tennis bromance.

   A love so strong that Kyrgios could barely bring himself to beat his friend at Queen’s earlier this year. He genuinely found the whole match emotionally difficult.

   Kyrgios doesn’t want to be playing against one of his best friends. He wants to be with him. Same team.

   Fascinating

   They may even have discussed it. Then left the possibility on the back-burner.

   And for now that fascinating hook-up must remain there. Something for the future.

   Because Andy isn’t done as a player.

   Fight

   Murray is working very hard to get back to something like his best after a year out with hip trouble.

   The fight goes on. And that battle could last another year or two.

   Maybe Andy will make it back to his glorious former level. Nick Kyrgios will be willing his friend to succeed.

   Chronic

   And it would be madness to write Andy off. The tennis world wrote Nadal off. We were wrong. The tennis world wrote Federer and Djokovic off. We were wrong again.

   So let’s not write Murray off just yet.

   He is a very determined character. His physical problems seem to have been even more chronic than those experienced by the Big Three. But Murray has what it takes to overcome all adversity.

   Great

   It is not impossible that he could win another Grand Slam before time catches up with him.

   But what if Andy breaks down physically again? What if, at the age of 31 and counting, he gets fed up with losing to the Fernando Verdascos of this world?

   When Murray hits 33, Kyrgios will still only be 25. It would be a great time for them to get together as player and coach.

   Family

   There are other obstacles to overcome before Murray would agree to coach Kyrgios. What about Andy’s family life? What about his precious time with Kim and the kids?

   Well, he has seen how Roger Federer makes it all work on tour with his own family. They seem happy enough.

   With the support of his family, why shouldn’t Andy take a similar path, at least for a while, to see how it works out?

   Dynamic

   Then there is a natural fear that both men would have. What if the coach-player dynamic broke down and completely ruined their friendship?

   Well, Murray’s friendship with his own “left-field” coaching choice, Amelie Mauresmo, survived something less than professional success together.

   Andy and Nick would just have to be big boys. Make sure the bromance wasn’t destroyed by work. If it wasn’t working, they’d know when to call it quits.

   Spectacular

   But the lingering suspicion is that it would work. Andy is nurturing younger talent in a variety of sporting fields. It’s his thing already.

   The chance to nurture and bring to full fruition the greatest young talent in tennis – who just happens to be one of his biggest buddies too – would surely be too tempting to turn down.

   So come on guys. With the new generation struggling to take over from the old generation, something spectacular needs to happen.

   Partnership

   A partnership between Kyrgios and Murray would be great for the game. And spectacular in the extreme.

   Maybe it is only a matter of time.

2. What Do You Give 7 Top Tennis Stars for Christmas?

   December 15, 2015 1:19 pm Comments Off on What Do You Give 7 Top Tennis Stars for Christmas?

    

   It’s that time of year again folks – but what do you give tennis stars who already have everything?

   It’s a tough one, but here are a few ideas:

   1/ NOVAK DJOKOVIC

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A PERSONAL SET OF KEYS TO ROLAND GARROS

   We all know this guy has a perfect life. World number one…beautiful family…but there’s one thing missing. The French Open.

   Against the odds, Stan Wawrinka blasted Djokovic off the court in the 2015 final and robbed him of a career Slam.

   So let’s give Novak a secret set of keys to Roland Garros for Christmas – and let him practise on the Philippe-Chatrier Court to his heart’s content between now and May.

   Let Roland Garros become his kingdom…even his secret obsession.

   Private access to the famous old club might just make the difference when Djokovic tries once more to make his professional life complete in the early summer of 2016.

   2/ ANDY MURRAY

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: IVAN LENDL

   Sure, Andy led GB to Davis Cup glory in 2015, and a very fine achievement it was too. But the opposition wasn’t exactly the very best of the best. And let’s face it, Murray hasn’t been the same on the big occasions against the likes of Djokovic and Roger Federer since splitting with his coach, Ivan Lendl in March 2014.

   So let’s wrap Lendl up in gift paper and give him right back to Andy for Christmas.

   Lendl might take some persuading before he allows himself to be gift-wrapped in this way and agrees to embark upon another year of demanding travel. But this is a time for special generosity, nothing is impossible!

   With Lendl back on board, watch Murray start winning Slams again inside a year, inspired once more by the aggressive edge Ivan always gave him.

   3/ ROGER FEDERER

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: DINNER WITH BORIS BECKER

   Yes, Roger, it’s all very well appointing Ivan Ljubicic to your coaching team, and Stefan Edberg was a tough man to try to replace…but how is a Croatian former world number three going to help you beat the one man who keeps crushing your dreams – Novak Djokovic?

   Let’s face it, Novak handles the big moments better than Federer in their most important matches these days. Why does this happen?

   One man knows the answer – Novak’s coach, Boris Becker. So let’s buy Roger a charity dinner date with Becker, give the fun-loving German as much booze as he can take, and see if Federer can persuade him to give away a few of Novak’s steely psychological secrets.

   4/ STAN WAWRINKA

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A BOOK ON HOW TO ENJOY SUCCESS

   Every year Stan Wawrinka does something stunning – and then struggles to hit similar heights again due to the shear strain.

   He won the Aussie Open in 2014. Then in 2015 he shocked Djokovic to take Roland Garros. Stan has hated the trappings of his success.

   He explained: “When you win a big title like the French it’s tough. The emotion in doing this is really up and down. Afterwards, you feel a bit lonely, a bit of depression mentally. Because it’s so much stress and emotion and so many people around you – and then it’s completely empty.”
   OK Stan, we get it, life can be tough at the top. But there are plenty of books out there to help you enjoy your success. We’ll buy you one.

   5/ RAFA NADAL

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: BIONIC KNEES…AND BACK…AND WRISTS…AND…

   You get the idea. Nadal has been a wonderful warrior and he can still beat the very best on his day. Yet you feel that his body needs a little help now he’s pushing 30.

   There used to be a TV show about Steve Austin, the $6 million man. He was pretty much bionic from head to toe

   So how about we spend a few million turning those weary Nadal joints into sparkling new triumphs of bio-technology?

   Let’s face it, we all love Rafa when he is playing at his most powerful. Who wouldn’t want to see his body restored to its former glory, so that we can savour more bruising classics between Nadal and the finest players in the world?

   An expensive present, admittedly…but surely worth it?

   6/ SERENA WILLIAMS

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A 2-YEAR PROMISE FROM PATRICK MOURATOGLOU

   Two more years together. That’s what it could take, realistically, to see Serena Williams become the undisputed, greatest tennis queen of all time. And her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, is surely the key to making that a reality.

   Some say that Serena is already the best there has ever been, given the demands of the modern women’s game. But Steffi Graf won 22 Slams and Margaret Court 24, albeit mostly secured when the sport was much less gruelling for women.

   Serena has 20 Slams, but she was so distressed when she failed to secure a 2015 Calendar Slam that she didn’t talk to Mouratoglou for two weeks.

   That complex relationship must stay strong for a little longer. Patrick’s unfailing support will be crucial in 2016.

   7/ MARIA SHARAPOVA:

   CHRISTMAS PRESENT: A COURSE OF HYPNOSIS

   No disrespect to Maria, who is a superb tennis star, always full of fight and hardly short of success. But when your record against your main rival (Serena Williams) is 2-18 and you haven’t beaten her since 2004, then your renowned warrior qualities simply aren’t cutting it against the very best.

   No disgrace there, because Serena is of course as formidable as they come. But could there be something deep inside that Sharapova mind these days, telling her that whatever she tries, she simply cannot prevail against the best in the world?

   What’s the answer?
   Hypnosis.

   If she hasn’t already tried it, Maria should give it a go. And if she has already tried it, she should give it another go.

   And if she is bought this as a Christmas present, how can she politely refuse?

   So there you have it; Wimbledon Debenture Holders answer on what to buy top 7 tennis players for Christmas!

   If you’re struggling for inspiration on what to buy your loved ones whether it’s for the festive holiday or a birthday or anniversary, Contact the experts today for an exclusive Wimbledon experience.

   Wimbledon 2016 Tickets make excellent presents and better still, they come beautifully presented with a Gift Certificate.

3. Exclusive Interview with Amelie Mauresmo

   June 9, 2014 10:20 am Comments Off on Exclusive Interview with Amelie Mauresmo

   By Mark Ryan

   EXCLUSIVE interview with Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Murray’s new coach: Learning is tough; you must manage yourself better than your opponent.

   Want did Amelia Mauresmo think of Andy Murray’s Wimbledon campaign last year?  You might be surprised!

   We caught up with her on the eve of Murray’s Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic last summer, just after fellow French star Marion Bartoli had reduced Sabine Lisicki to tears by taking the women’s title.

   Amelie was already talking like a coach, and maybe Andy saw that quality in her too.

   Mauresmo used to cut an intimidating figure on the tennis court at times. But the Amelie we encountered was kind, compassionate and honest.   You’ll like her. We can see why Andy does too.

   This interview has never been published before.

   First, she talked about Bartoli and the value of experience.
   Amelie began: ”Being in the final before made a difference. I think experience played a part. She was able to manage herself better than Sabine, produce a better game.
   “Sabine was beating all the top players but the final is a different match. It’s very different.
   “For Sabine it’s tough. But she is learning. And sometimes learning is tough. It is hard right now, it was hard on the court, but for sure she will learn from this. And I hope she will improve from that.”

   Here comes Mauresmo’s verdict on Murray v Djokovic. Who would win? Her heart said Murray…but her head clearly said Djokovic!

   She explained: “It’s tough. I think I’ve been impressed by Novak the whole tournament, to be honest. Against Juan Martin Del Potro he was unbelievable, it was amazing.
   “I’d like to see Novak’s stretching routine, his flexibility has been helping him big-time, he has been doing huge work on it for a long time.
   “I think Andy has been a little bit up and down in this tournament, to be honest. But maybe it’s his turn, his time, his moment. For his sake, I hope so.”

   There you have it. Amelie was more impressed by Djokovic than Murray last Wimbledon, even though the Brit took the final as we all know.

   Andy Murray in 2014

   Andy Murray hasn’t been managing himself too well this year. He certainly didn’t manage himself better than Rafa Nadal when they met at the French Open.
   What can Mauresmo bring to Murray’s Wimbledon campaign? She will bring calm, she will bring consistency, and she will help him to manage his own head. He needs that right now.
   Amelie Mauresmo transmits a sense of peace, of confidence. She is not afraid to tell the truth, though – even though the truth sometimes hurts. Murray will trust her more for her honesty.
   Andy will feel secure in her safe pair of hands. Yet he won’t be given an easy ride.

   As Mauresmo points out, learning is tough. And right now Murray has much to learn, especially when it comes to psychological warfare.  e is currently losing the mind games when it matters.
   He needs to start winning the most important battle of all – against his own self-doubt.

   It is a battle Mauresmo had to win in her own career. She overcame her own feelings of negativity…and now there isn’t a trace of self-doubt left.  Murray is buying into someone who has been there, someone he feels already understands him. He thinks she can add to him.

   When you meet the self-assured and very charming Amelie Mauresmo, it is easy to see why that might well be the case.

4. Survey Reveals Brits back Murray and Serena Williams

   May 15, 2014 9:05 am Comments Off on Survey Reveals Brits back Murray and Serena Williams

   An extraordinary 37% of those polled in the WimbledonDebentureHolders.com survey believe that Murray can reproduce last summer’s heroics. Even though the Scot has achieved little since winning Wimbledon in 2013.

   ---

   The patriotic British public are backing Andy Murray to retain his Wimbledon title.

   For the Men’s Singles title, both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal received just 22 per cent of the votes. While multiple-champion Roger Federer’s share was only 11 per cent.  Call it patriotic fervour or sheer love for Murray. But the Brits really seem to believe their man can overcome the world’s tennis greats to win Wimbledon and raise the trophy once more.

   

   The 500 UK-based participants in an exclusive WimbledonDebentureHolders.com survey were also asked to name the most likely Wimbledon Ladies Singles champion for 2014 and the resounding favourite was Serena Williams, with a commanding 40% of votes.

   No surprises there!

   Remarkably Li Na, the world number two and Australian Open champion, was only backed for Wimbledon glory by 9% of those questioned.

   But the results of the poll for the Women’s Singles champion was even more surprising, once you look beyond the UK’s clear chosen favourite, Serena Williams.  The next most likely Wimbledon winner, according to those polled, was Serena’s sister Venus, even though it has been a couple of years since she looked capable of winning a Slam. Venus Williams claimed an amazing 17 per cent of the UK vote.

   

   Therefore the Brits seem to believe that Venus Williams is almost twice as likely to win Wimbledon this summer as the impressive Li Na.

   Such an assumption cannot be based on recent form. So we can only conclude that the Chinese charmer has failed to make the same impact on the British sporting consciousness as she has elsewhere in the world.  Perhaps all that will change at Wimbledon this year. But the British, controversially, seem to doubt Li Na’s ability to collect a third Grand Slam title.

   Want to be there in person, to see whether the UK public are correct, or whether your own favourite prevails at the home of tennis instead? 

   Click here to buy tickets and see the action first hand.

5. Murray won’t give up title easily

   August 29, 2013 12:02 pm Comments Off on Murray won’t give up title easily

   Andy Murray’s late, late show sent out a warning to title rivals Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The Brit Boy loves New York – and his 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 victory over flamboyant Frenchman Michael Llodra was impressive. Incredibly, Murray only made five unforced errors in the entire match. Compare that to the 53 unforced errors Jerzy Janowicz made during his shock defeat to Maximo Gonzalez and you get the picture. This is one US Open champion who isn’t going to give up his title easily.

   Yet it would be wrong to say that Murray was always in control. He trailed 0-3 and 15-30 on his own serve during the second set. He had no answers to Llodra’s brilliance during that amazing phase of the match. Then Michael’s magic suddenly evaporated. Andy’s razor-sharp mind went to work and exposed Llodra’s net-rushing for what it was – an outrageous gamble.

   Did you see Llodra’s underarm serve just before Murray took the match? Janowicz had tried the same tactic against Gonzalez – but I don’t think it’s going to catch on, do you? Going underhand is pretty much the same as throwing in the towel – and the American crowds hate that.

   So now Murray looks to have a fairly easy route through to the final stages of a tournament he loves. He is fresh, too, after hardcourt troubles at recent tournaments in North America reduced his workload.

   Can Andy retain his title? I still expect Nadal or Djokovic to have too much for the Wimbledon champion. But Murray is ready for the fight, he is moving well and building nicely. That’s great for the tournament and great for everyone looking forward to some titanic clashes next week.

   Venus Williams went down fighting didn’t she? After three-hours and two minutes of intense sporting combat, Jie Zheng emerged triumphant with a 6-3 2-6, 7-6 (7-5) win. Where does that leave Williams? She played a great match, worthy of a true legend at her home slam. We can’t really ask for more from Venus at this stage of her career.

   Those who stayed long enough to enjoy the tennis of Sloane Stephens after the Murray match were treated to something special. She began her match against Urszula Radwanska just before midnight. And Stephens must have had doubts after losing to Radwanska as recently as Cincinatti. But this turned out to be an awesome demolition job – 6-1, 6-1. Sloane’s flowing shots were a true delight, especially that booming forehand.

   The longer the American stays in the tournament the better. The home crowd loves her and it’s great for them to have another favourite to cheer, in addition to the great Serena Williams.

   Who doesn’t love the US Open? The chaos of the schedules and the animated crowds just add to the fun somehow. Can’t wait for more!