Andy Murray made a surprising announcement last week saying that he and Ivan Lendl, his coach of two years, had split.
The split was made to seem like a mutual decision for both men, and it’s clear that the part was amicable; Lendl even supported Murray at by attending the Sony Open in Key Biscayne last week.
Since the announcement last week, media reports have stated that the split was more Lendl’s doing. ESPN’s Greg Garber quoted Lendl as saying he felt he would be too busy to give Murray the kind of attention he needs this year.
“To really do it right, you need to be there for 20, 25 weeks,” Lendl said per Garber. “Looking ahead, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t do it.
“Of course I feel proud of what we accomplished together,” Lendl said. “It worked out for both of us. Unfortunately, I can’t give him the time he needs. I must tell you, I’m very happy for Andy.”
[Related: Andy Murray said to be in ‘difficult place’ amid split with Ivan Lendl]
While Lendl’s desire to compete on the senior tennis tour and play golf — he loves to golf and plays frequently — could have been factors in their split, we’re told there was also another factor involved.
Larry Brown Sports was told by sources that Lendl’s contract with Murray expired after the Australian Open. Lendl apparently had a plan for Murray’s fitness training, but Murray for whatever reason did not want to follow Lendl’s plan/suggestion.
That disagreement, coupled with Lendl’s desire to play golf and tennis, could have been enough for Lendl to decide not to continue as Murray’s coach, even if he still supports the player.
“You know, it’s a tough one for me because he’s been a big part of my life,” Murray said this week about the split, via ESPN. “He’s been a big part of my team. He made a huge difference to my tennis. So very hard person to replace.”
The Murray-Lendl partnership was a successful one. After starting his career by going 0-4 in grand slam finals just like Lendl, Murray broke through and won two majors, in addition to an Olympic gold medal.
