Andy Murray's 'Lady Luck'? Chris Evert Urges Wimbledon Champion to Consider Female Coach
A top men's player has never had a woman coach him. That may change now with Amelie Mauresmo and Martina Navratilova in the race to train Andy Murray.
Andy Murray may make tennis 'history' -- without even lifting his racquet. The Wimbledon champion has reportedly been urged by legendary Chris Evert to opt for a female coach and if he agrees, the Scot would become the first top men's player ever to have a woman train him.
ÂÂ
According to reports in the British media, Evert has said there is no reason why a former women's champion cannot get the best out of Murray's game. With Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo apparently expressing their interest in replacing current coach Ivan Lendl, 59-year-old Evert has said it is a good sign.
"If Andy is thinking about having a woman like Amelie or Martina, then good for him," Evert was quoted as saying. "There is no reason why women cannot coach men and they have the experience to coach a top player. Why not?"
Interestingly, 34-year-old Mauresmo -- a two-time Grand Slam winner and a silver medalist in the 2004 Summer Olympics -- was present at Roland Garros to watch Murray play his French Open first round match. The former French player even has the experience of coaching Michael Llorda and helped Marion Bartoli win the Wimbledon last year.
Navratilova is the other possible contender but Evert -- who herself won 18 Grand Slam titles -- doubts if the Czech legend can take the time out. "It takes an awful lot of commitment to go on the road and I'm not sure if Martina wants to do that."
While time may be of essence, Navratilova herself thinks it is a good idea for Murray to break the 'trend'.
"We haven't had a female really coaching a top man other than a family member," she was quoted as telling BBC's Radio Five. "I'm sure Andy will pick the right person, that he looks up to, that he respects, that he thinks will help him."