TENNIS 2014 ROLAND GARROS – 8th of June. An interview with Amelie Mauresmo
Q. Welcome to British tennis.
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: Thanks.
Q. What was the moment when you thought that you would take over as coach of Andy Murray? What is it about the job that is fascinating to you?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: Andy contacted me a few weeks ago and we started to talk about this possibility to work, to be working together. It’s not really something that I was thinking doing when I stopped being a tennis player.
Then we talked again a little bit more about how to do the things maybe about his game, about different things.
We came up with the will from both sides to, yeah, to give it a shot.
Q. Could you talk a bit about the fact obviously you’re a woman, he’s a man. Do you consider that of any relevance, or do you see it possibly as a positive advantage for you?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: I would say that, yeah, I mean, it’s probably something that have to you ask him at some point why he made this choice. We all know his mother was a big part of his tennis career.
I think he’s maybe looking for something different, about emotions and sensitive things. It’s not really interesting for me, this part of the story, to be honest. All I’m interested in is to be able to help him in his goals. That’s about it. The rest is the story for you to write, I guess.
But, yeah, for me it’s a challenge. I want to take it.
Q. He had obviously choices and people to consider. When he contacted you the first time, did he say, Amélie, the reason I decided that you would be the right person is because you could bring me this or this that? Did he give you a reason why he thought of you?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: Yeah, he did.
Q. Can you tell us what it is?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: Not really (Laughter). Not really.
I mean, maybe he will tell you at some point.
Q. Were you surprised when he rang?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: It was a little bit of a surprise, yes. To be honest, yes.
Q. You will have almost the same pressure as Andy. The expectations will be high. So what was the reason for you to accept such a tough challenge?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: First of all, I think he has the most pressure. That’s for sure when you’re a player, and I know what it is. You have huge pressure on your shoulders. This will remain this way.
Yes, it will change a little bit my life and my retirement, let’s say. But I’m passionate. I’m passionate about this sport. I love challenges.
I don’t know, I guess I like to put myself on the line at some point and see what I can do.
Q. We all know that since Billie Jean, a big part of the WTA, has been about the empowerment of women and opportunities. We all know also it’s extremely difficult for WTA players. What were your thoughts that Ernests Gulbis made the other day that he would not want his sisters to go into tennis and that it’s very tough and they should be focusing on families?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: I know him a little bit. I think you guys also know him quite a lot. He’s provocative at some point. I’m not sure he was really thinking this way.
He explained a little bit later why he said this. I’m not really I’m not shocked by this because I know him. I know how he is.
Q. How long is your commitment with Andy?
AMÉLIE MAURESMO: We are going to do the grass court season and we will talk after that.
