Andy Murray and Amelie Mauresmo: Tennis World Awaits 'One-of-a-Kind' Bold Partnership
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, who parted ways with Ivan Lendl in March, has appointed Amelie Mauresmo as his coach after French Open
Andy Murray has another woman in his life. But this is one woman Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears is quite 'pleased' about. After all, Amelie Mauresmo -- a two time Grand Slam champion -- will help the Scott perform on court.
The Wimbledon champion, who parted ways with Ivan Lendl in March, chose to get Mauresmo's assistance, a decision which was welcomed by the entire tennis fraternity as Murray became one of the first leading men's tennis player to have a female coach.
"I'm excited by the possibilities of the new partnership and Amelie is someone I have always looked up to and admired," Murray said. And while Lendl has been credited to have given Murray's tennis a lethal edge, Mauresmo is expected to polish the rough edges and create a consistent champion.
Having the former French player as Murray's coach is being seen by many as a good decision -- one that can work in Murray's favour in the near future.
"It's a bold call, certainly an interesting one. Amelie knows her tennis and time will tell whether it turns out to be a good match," former world number one Jim Courier was quoted as saying. "It's bold, it's fun, it's something we're all going to be talking about and good for Andy."
That Mauresmo is a woman is largely the reason for the buzz and many stalwarts of the game are eager to see how she can make an impact.
"I know it's a little unorthodox but if it works for him that's what matters the most. It's great for women's tennis," former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic said. "It's exciting and pushes tennis in a different direction. Amelie was such a great champion, so I'm sure she can help him."
Even Martina Navratilova lauded the decision. "An interesting call by Andy Murray. Cool to see a woman coaching a top guy. Hope it works out for them," she said.
There were a few others though who chose to see the 'funnier' side of it all. "It's very unusual. I'm not sure how she's going to get in the locker room. I think a few eyebrows will be raised," said former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, who added that Mauresmo would have a positive effect on Murray's game.
"She's smart, she's got a great game and Andy's not going just to pick somebody for no reason - he's going to have done his homework."
The 'pairing' then between Murray and Mauresmo has generated a massive buzz in the tennis fraternity and while the majority feels that the partnership would work, the actual results would only be seen in Wimbledon -- the next big Grand Slam starting June 23.