Old times: Murray and Maclagan discuss their Wimbledon gameplan, in what was to be their last major tournament together. Pic: ©SNS Group
Andy Murray has sacked his coach Miles Maclagan, one month before the start of the US Open. The world number four tennis player had worked with 35-year-old since late 2007.
Maclagan replaced Brad Gilbert as the main man in Murray's coaching team, guiding the Scot as he played his way to the finals of the Australian and US Opens, as well as two consecutive Wimbledon semi-finals.
But Murray, who saw his form slump considerably after losing to Roger Federer in Melbourne back in January, again fell at the final hurdle on home soil. He lost out to eventual champion Rafael Nadal in straight sets at Wimbledon this year, prolonging his wait to win a major championship.
"I've had a great relationship with Miles over the past two-and-a-half years and I want to thank him for his positive contribution to my career," Murray said of his decision. "We have had a lot of success and fun working together."
Maclagan also commented on his departure from Murray's coaching team, saying he wished his former charge all the best for the future. “It's been a privilege to work with Andy as his coach and I'm happy to have played my part in his career,” he said.
"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.”
ANDY MURRAY'S YEAR OF HIGHS AND LOWS
- Will Andy Murray become the Colin Montgomerie of tennis?
- Andy Murray knocked out of Wimbledon
- Angry Andy Murray crashes out of French Open
- Murray beaten by brilliant Federer in Australian Open final
Increasingly eager to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam tournament since Fred Perry in 1936, 23-year-old Murray will now look elsewhere for the leadership to keep him in contention in an increasingly strong field.
The US Open is the only Grand Slam left on the calendar this year and Murray is preparing for the tournament with Alex Corretja. The Spaniard has worked with Murray since 2008 as a specialist clay coach and will continue assist the Scot as he prepares to take part in the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles this week.
Corretja is not seen as a permanent successor to Maclagan, with the two-times French Open finalist's extensive media commitments appearing to rule him out of the running. Jez Green, Murray's trainer, and his physio Andy Ireland will keep their places on Murray's team.
