London: Wimbledon champion Andy Murray shocked the tennis world when he hired Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo as his new coach at the weekend.
Murray is the only player in the men’s top 10 to have a female coach and his decision to appoint Mauresmo, a former World No.1 and Wimbledon winner, will be closely scrutinised over the coming weeks as the Scot prepares to defend his Wimbledon title.
The surprise move has provoked differing opinions in the tennis community.
Twelve-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King said: “It is not the gender of the coach that is important, it is the strength of the relationship between the coach and the player that will make the partnership work.
“Women have coached men for years, going back to Bobby Riggs and Eleanor Tennant,” King added.
Former World No.1 Jim Courier said: “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.
“It’s bold, it’s fun, it’s something we’re all going to be talking about and good for Andy,” Courier added.
“An interesting call by Andy Murray. Cool to see a woman coaching a top guy. Hope it works out for them,” said 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova.
Mauresmo’s friend and compatriot Mary Pierce, a two-time Grand Slam champion was all praise for the countrywomen and said: “She is a great person. She’s got great values and a sense of hard work but she has a great sense of humour. She knows what it takes to win Grand Slams, what it takes to get to number one. She give her absolute best to help Andy.”
Former French Open winner 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. It’s great for women’s tennis.”
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said: “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.
