Andy Murray doesn’t need to replace Ivan Lendl in his team, according to former British No.1 Tim Henman.
On Friday, Murray confirmed that he has separated with Lendl for a second time following a ‘mutual’ agreement. Lendl, who also worked with the Brit between 2012-2014, returned to being Murray’s chief mentor in 2016. Their progress on the tour was halted at Wimbledon after Murray was hampered by a hip injury. He tried to return to action at the US Open, but failed. Resulting in a premature end to his season.
Weighing in on the coaching dilemma the 30-year-old is facing, Henman has suggested that there is no need to replace Lendl. Arguing that assistant coach Jamie Delgado is sufficient enough to fill the void. Delgado, who made 23 consecutive appearances at Wimbledon during his career, has previously mentored Gilles Muller.
“With Andy’s experience and knowledge of the game, I wouldn’t think he needs to bring another person into the team,” Henman told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek.
“He’s got Jamie who played to a decent level and did a very good coaching job with Gilles Muller first, and has been with Andy for a good couple of years and understands him as well as anyone.”
Murray is aiming to return to competition at the start of 2018 in time for the Australian Open. As a result of his absence, the Brit has fallen down to 16th. Meaning he won’t be a top-10 seed in Melbourne for the first time since 2007.
Despite the setback, Henman has confidence that Murray will stage a successful comeback. January is also set to see the return of Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori from their injury problems.
“Having seen him train and practice at Wimbledon quite a lot, he is working unbelievably hard and making big strides.” Henman said about Murray’s ongoing recovery.
“I think that with still six or seven weeks before the season starts, I’m quite confident that he is going to be back ready and raring to go.”
If all goes to plan, Next year will be Murray’s 13th consecutive appearance at the Australian Open.
Update:
Hours after Henman’s comments, Delgardo has confirmed that Murray is in no hurry to find a replacement coach. With the focus on his fitness being the main priority for the former world No.1
‘I don’t think so, not at the moment,’ Mtero.co.uk quoted Delgardo as saying when asked about the current situation.
‘From our point of view the first situation that we need to address is to get him totally fit and ready to play the new season.
‘I believe if we do that he will get back to a lot of success in the game again.”
