Murray denies rift with coach

Following his premature exit at the Miami Open, And Murray denied having a rift with coach Amelie Mauresmo.

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Andy Murray had not lost to anyone at the Miami Open other than Novak Djokovic for the past five years, yet he was yesterday having to assess the damage from a mini Spring slump after his premature exit on Monday night — and deny a rift with Amelie Mauresmo.

Murray’s third-round conqueror Grigor Dimitrov is an outstanding talent, but it was the manner of the Scot’s defeat in losing the last five games that was most alarming.

It meant that Jo Konta, due to play Victoria Azarenka tonight in the women’s quarter-finals, was again the last British player standing, as was the case in Indian Wells earlier this month.

The idea of moving coach Mauresmo out of his support box to sit in the stands — Murray implied it was a joint decision — clearly did not work as the world No 2 was simply unable to contain his on-court frustrations. It was reminiscent of a time earlier in his career, long before he reached his late 20s and became such an impressive spokesman for the sport.

‘If I’d had a falling-out then Amelie wouldn’t be here at the tournament. We had dinner with all our families last night, so we certainly haven’t fallen out,’ said Murray (below).

But the issue of the 28-year-old’s focus during matches and the constant verbals spouted in the direction of his box is something they clearly have to address.

It could be that parenthood is taking some getting used to in terms of preparation for his matches, as this was the first time he has had his family in tow when on tour.

His premature exit means that he will at least have time to get ready for the Monte Carlo Masters, which he will play the week after next for the first time in three years.

‘It’s important to get the next couple of weeks spot on,’ he said, ‘because clay has been a surface that I’ve struggled on a bit in the past.’ – Daily Mail