Just after Roger Federer announced he was spending time with Paul Annacone, Andy Murray has announced that he has parted ways with his coach of almost three years Miles Maclagan. Miles, with Jez Green and Andy Irons, played a huge role in the development of Andy and his positioning in the rankings. Over the last three years Maclagan has facilitated not only the physical and tactical development but also the mental maturation of Andy that has seen him improve dramatically as a player.
As has always been the way in camp Murray, Andy his fired his coach when the times have gotten hard. This season since his poor showing in the Australian Open final against Federer, Andy has struggled to string many consecutive matches together and failed to produce any significant, or high quality, results.
For his part Murray has acknowledged Miles’ impact, helping him make two Grand Slams finals and two Wimbledon semifinals as well as reaching a career high ranking of number two. “I’ve had a great relationship with Miles over the past 2½ years and I want to thank him for his positive contribution to my career. We have had a lot of fun and success working together.”
The statement released on Murray’s website indicated that the split, that people have been talking about for some months, is amicable. It is unfortunate timing for Maclagan who was rumoured to be a favourite to take over the Davis Cup coaching position but he has since missed out because of his firm ties to Murray. Maclagan has been struggling with a back injury for many months now and has had difficultly physically participating in training sessions.
Murray is next scheduled to play in LA and has flown without a coach. It’s an interesting move for a player who’s best chance of a Grand Slam is in New York.
Murray had also been working with Spaniard Alex Corretja for insight for the clay court season. Alex was on a series of 12 week contracts with Murray and has also reportedly flown home because he doesn’t want to work with Murray full-time. Corretja has been spending time with Murray since May 2008 intermittently.
The news comes just after Andy completed his Florida training. The rumour mills indicate that Alex will work with Murray until after the US Open at which point his management company has said he will review the situation. “Andy is completely focused on the U.S. hardcourt season and he will review the situation after the U.S. Open.”
Miles also released a statement which made the split sound as amicable as these things can be. “It’s been a privilege to work with Andy and I’m happy to have played my part in his career. I also want to thank the team for all their hard work over the years and I will miss working with them and Andy on a day-to-day basis. Andy is a great player and I know he will continue to have the success his talent and hard work deserves.”
A likely replacement would be Daren Cahill who is part of the Adidas player development program. Murray will now have access to him, Gil Reyes and Andre Agassi since signing with Adidas this year.
