When Andy Murray steps on to Centre Court at Wimbledon tomorrow around 1pm, he will do so safe in the knowledge that he is the defending champion. That monkey is off his back.
It has been a whirlwind 12 months for the man from Dunblane since that memorable Sunday afternoon in July last year when he beat Novak Djokovic to become Britain's first men's singles champion at SW19 for 77 years.
Since then there have been mixed results, major back surgery and now the appointment of a new coach; Amelie Mauresmo after the split from the man who helped him win that title last year, Ivan Lendl.
Murray had a fine run to the semi final in the French Open and a surprise defeat to Radek Stepanek at Queens can surely be put down to that stellar effort. However, the defending champion is sure to face an extremely tough test from the likes of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and perhaps surprise packages such as Queens winner Grigor Dimitrov and big serving Canadian Milos Raonic.
Here is Murray's potential route to a second successive Wimbledon title:
Round One: David Goffin (Belgium)
The Wimbledon champion with the backing of a Centre Crowd against a player ranked 104 in the world sounds like an easy start for Murray.
But Goffin is a dangerous player and proved that two years ago at the French Open and Wimbledon. Gaining entry to Roland Garros as a lucky loser, Goffin made the fourth round beating Stepanek, Arnaud Clement and Lukasz Kubot before taking a set off Roger Federer in his last 16 loss. And at Wimbledon he managed to beat Bernard Tomic who had reached the quarter finals in 2011 in the first round before falling to Mardy Fish in round three.
The resulting two years haven't been as kind to Goffin though he has suffered with injury this year. However, he is a dangerous player as he has proven against Federer in the past.
Prediction: Murray in Four.
Second Round: Pablo Andujar (Spain)
Next up for Murray would be a tie against the World Number 79, presuming Andujar gets past the World Number 91, Blaz Rola from Slovenia in Round One.
This would actually be an easier tie for Murray than his first round match. Andjuar is much more suited to playing on clay and in four appearances at Wimbledon he has never been past the first round, so it would be new territory for him.
Murray's grass court ground strokes would prove far too strong for someone who has been ranked as high as 33 in the world.
Prediction: Murray in three.
Round Three: Roberto Bautista Agut (Spain)
Another Spanish test would lie in wait for Murray in the last 32 and it would be a significantly greater test than Andujar in the round previously.
Bautista Agut, who is ranked at 28th in the World has enjoyed a successful 2014 and is coming into Wimbledon having won the grass court tournament in Rosmalen, Netherlands today by beating Benjamin Becker in the final.
He has proven he can defeat the best, with a five set win over Juan Martin Del Potro in this years Australian Open second round, before he lost to Dimitrov in four sets in round four. He also beat Tomas Berdych in the Indian Wells Masters in March whilst he had a great run to the semi finals in Madrid in May beating Tommy Robredo and Fernando Verdasco along the way.
Murray would go into this match as clear favourite but a player full of confidence cannot be under estimated especially as he seems to be vastly improving on grass.
Prediction: Murray in four
Fourth Round: Fabio Fognini (Italy)
Fognini has already beaten Andy Murray this year, winning soundly on the clay surface in Rome against him in the Davis Cup in April.
However, Murray has to start this last 16 match as favourite against the World Number 15. Fognini is certainly a player who can be described as a clay court expert having won three titles on the surface since July last year and he also reached the French Open quarter finals in 2011.
But against a man who has only lost one match on grass since Wimbledon 2012, Fognini would be outclassed. Murray would welcome this opponent at the start of the second week and would relish the chance to avenge that Davis Cup defeat.
Prediction: Murray in Three
Quarter Final: Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
A bold prediction here but I believe that last Sunday's Queens winner will be lying in wait for Murray in the last eight. He might never have been beyond the second round at Wimbledon, but he is brimming with confidence and is finally living up to the hype that has surrounded him for the last few years.
For all his 'poster boy' image thanks to his good looks and relationship with Maria Sharapova, there can be no doubting the Bulgarian can play. At Queens last week he performed superbly, defeating Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka in the semi final before holding his nerve in the best of three tie breaks in the final against Feliciano Lopez to take the title.
He would likely have to beat David Ferrer to reach this stage and the man known as 'The Wall' would be a formidable object for the World Number 13, but Dimitrov simply has to deliver in a major tournament sooner rather than later and with a win at Queens, he seems ready to do so.
He has beaten Murray this year already in a thrilling semi final in Acapulco but with Murray's experience at this stage of Grand Slams, he has to be favourite in a best of five set match. Dimitrov isn't quite ready to come out and beat the Wimbledon champion on his home turf.
Prediction: Murray in four
Semi Final: Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
The route to glory for Murray should see him come up against the man he dismantled in last years final. Djokovic will be looking to avenge that defeat last year and win back a crown he collected in 2011.
Matches between Djokovic and Murray are always full of astoundingly long rallies, brilliant shot-making and constant breaks of serve. Both are 27 years of age and whilst Djokovic progressed quicker, Murray did get the better of him in the 2012 US Open final along with last years Wimbledon although the man from Serbia did win the 2013 Australian Open between the pair.
It would be a massive test for Murray and his new coach Mauresmo but you have to believe that Murray would be inspired by the memories of last year, particularly with a sell out crowd believing he can win the tournament again. For my mind, Murray is the greatest grass court player in the world and Djokovic has been struggling with a wrist injury lately, though he insists it won't bother him at SW19.
Prediction: Murray in five
Final: Rafael Nadal (Spain)
Nadal would be the ultimate test for Murray in the final and I believe he would just fall short against a man that has defeated him 15 times out of their 20 meetings.
The Spaniard's aggressive style and brutal forehand are regularly too much for Murray on any surface as was comprehensively demonstrated by Nadal in a straight set win in the French Open semi finals earlier this month.
What's more, Nadal will be eager to make up for lost time at Wimbledon having suffered shock defeats the last two times he has played in the tournament. Last year he was bundled out by unheralded Belgian Steve Darcis in the first round whilst in 2012, he was incredibly beaten by Pole Lukas Rosol over five sets in the second round when he was the overwhelming favourite for the tournament.
Coupled with the fact that he will want to restore national pride in Spanish sport after the footballers abysmal performance in the World Cup, Nadal will come out all guns blazing. Full of confidence after winning Roland Garros despite a shock defeat to Dustin Brown in Halle last week, the World Number one looks primed for a first Wimbledon title in four years.
Murray would certainly be no pushover for Nadal and you couldn't rule him out of winning back to back Wimbledon titles. But Nadal has won their three previous meetings at Wimbledon and it is worth noting that Murray's greatest career achievements have came when the 14 time Grand Slam champion has been out of the picture.
Prediction: Nadal in four.
The 2014 Wimbledon Championships are upon us from tomorrow and it is fantastic Andy Murray goes into them with the biggest monkey of them all off his back.
Ultimately though, I think he'll fall just short in his quest to keep a grip on the Wimbledon trophy.
Sunday 22 June 2014
Wednesday 11 June 2014
Three men who can win the US Open
Although a certain football tournament is destined to overshadow the second golf major of the year, there will still be plenty of interest all over the world in the US Open which gets underway at Pinehurst Number Two tomorrow.
Whilst certain golfers love Augusta and The Masters and others handle the links conditions of Open Championship courses more so than others, the US Open is fiendishly difficult to predict.
This years will be played on a course what can be described as unique in US Open terms. With no rough and browned out fairways, it is set to favour the long hitters as it measures in at 7,562 yards with the Par being just 70.
With Tiger Woods still out injured, the talk is of Phil Mickelson finally getting his hands on a trophy he wants so badly after six near misses in the tournament including at Pinehurst in 1999 or a Rory McIlroy V Adam Scott rivalry truly coming to life.
However, here are three men with longer odds at the bookies who I feel will be in contention come Sunday.
Webb Simpson: The 2012 US Open champion is my main pick for this tournament. He showed magnificent patience and shot making when winning two years ago and that is something you are going to need at Pinehurst, particularly if it is going to be blazing hot.
Not many people shoot 68-68 over the course of a US Open weekend but that is exactly what Simpson did at the Olympic Club. And the 28 year old is coming back into form at just the right time after an indifferent 2014 which has seen him miss the cut at both The Masters and the Players Championship.
However a tie for third at last weeks St Jude Classic suggests Simpson is feeling good about his game again. Blessed with a great ball striking game and a hot putting streak, Simpson has all the attributes to tame Pinehurst and collect that trophy for the second time in three years.
You can back him at a best price of 45/1.
Matt Kuchar: Anyone that has had the 'pleasure' of listening to me talk about golf for the last couple of years knows that I'm utterly convinced Kuchar will be a Major winner some day.
And whilst Webb Simpson might be my main pick this week, I fully expect Kuchar to be in the mix come Sunday. He might not be the longest hitter, but he hits two out of every three fairways as well as a similar amount of greens in regulation. He's also sixth in the scrambling stats on the PGA Tour this season, a talent that is required at any US Open course, no matter the layout.
Unlike Simpson, Kuchar has enjoyed a very impressive 2014, winning the Heritage a week after finishing in the top five at The Masters and before that he had enjoyed top four finishes at both the Houston and Texas Opens.
There is a school of thought that Kuchar is too nice to win a major, but if he was so nice he wouldn't even want to put himself in contention the amount of times he does. With a great iron game that will give him plenty of birdie chances and the fact that he is in fine form, Kuchar is worth a bet at a best priced 28/1 currently.
Henrik Stenson: The man from Sweden who enjoyed a sensational 2013 has found the going a bit tougher in 2014 but this is a course that should suit his long hitting and he is coming into some form at the right time.
He isn't getting any younger having turned 38 in April and will be keen to lift a first Major sooner rather than later. He finished in the top three at both The Open Championship and PGA Championship last year as well as completing a historic double by winning the PGA Tour's Fed Ex Cup series as well as the European Tour's Race to Dubai, becoming the first player to do so.
As a former winner of The Players Championship, the World Matchplay Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic, the current World Number Two is a man for the big occasion.
With top ten finishes recently in his homeland at the Nordea Masters, at Wentworth in the BMW PGA Championship and in China, Stenson is on the prowl for a win and a US Open course with no rough and ideal for great driving might just suit him. You can back him at 28/1 as well.
Of course, the US Open has thrown up some surprise winners over the years including Michael Campbell at Pinehurst No 2 in 2005, so I could be way off with my tips. But I believe the three men above have the game to tame Pinehurst and be in with a shot at glory come the back nine on Sunday.
Whilst certain golfers love Augusta and The Masters and others handle the links conditions of Open Championship courses more so than others, the US Open is fiendishly difficult to predict.
This years will be played on a course what can be described as unique in US Open terms. With no rough and browned out fairways, it is set to favour the long hitters as it measures in at 7,562 yards with the Par being just 70.
With Tiger Woods still out injured, the talk is of Phil Mickelson finally getting his hands on a trophy he wants so badly after six near misses in the tournament including at Pinehurst in 1999 or a Rory McIlroy V Adam Scott rivalry truly coming to life.
However, here are three men with longer odds at the bookies who I feel will be in contention come Sunday.
Webb Simpson: The 2012 US Open champion is my main pick for this tournament. He showed magnificent patience and shot making when winning two years ago and that is something you are going to need at Pinehurst, particularly if it is going to be blazing hot.
Not many people shoot 68-68 over the course of a US Open weekend but that is exactly what Simpson did at the Olympic Club. And the 28 year old is coming back into form at just the right time after an indifferent 2014 which has seen him miss the cut at both The Masters and the Players Championship.
However a tie for third at last weeks St Jude Classic suggests Simpson is feeling good about his game again. Blessed with a great ball striking game and a hot putting streak, Simpson has all the attributes to tame Pinehurst and collect that trophy for the second time in three years.
You can back him at a best price of 45/1.
Matt Kuchar: Anyone that has had the 'pleasure' of listening to me talk about golf for the last couple of years knows that I'm utterly convinced Kuchar will be a Major winner some day.
And whilst Webb Simpson might be my main pick this week, I fully expect Kuchar to be in the mix come Sunday. He might not be the longest hitter, but he hits two out of every three fairways as well as a similar amount of greens in regulation. He's also sixth in the scrambling stats on the PGA Tour this season, a talent that is required at any US Open course, no matter the layout.
Unlike Simpson, Kuchar has enjoyed a very impressive 2014, winning the Heritage a week after finishing in the top five at The Masters and before that he had enjoyed top four finishes at both the Houston and Texas Opens.
There is a school of thought that Kuchar is too nice to win a major, but if he was so nice he wouldn't even want to put himself in contention the amount of times he does. With a great iron game that will give him plenty of birdie chances and the fact that he is in fine form, Kuchar is worth a bet at a best priced 28/1 currently.
Henrik Stenson: The man from Sweden who enjoyed a sensational 2013 has found the going a bit tougher in 2014 but this is a course that should suit his long hitting and he is coming into some form at the right time.
He isn't getting any younger having turned 38 in April and will be keen to lift a first Major sooner rather than later. He finished in the top three at both The Open Championship and PGA Championship last year as well as completing a historic double by winning the PGA Tour's Fed Ex Cup series as well as the European Tour's Race to Dubai, becoming the first player to do so.
As a former winner of The Players Championship, the World Matchplay Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic, the current World Number Two is a man for the big occasion.
With top ten finishes recently in his homeland at the Nordea Masters, at Wentworth in the BMW PGA Championship and in China, Stenson is on the prowl for a win and a US Open course with no rough and ideal for great driving might just suit him. You can back him at 28/1 as well.
Of course, the US Open has thrown up some surprise winners over the years including Michael Campbell at Pinehurst No 2 in 2005, so I could be way off with my tips. But I believe the three men above have the game to tame Pinehurst and be in with a shot at glory come the back nine on Sunday.
Tuesday 10 June 2014
Five teams to watch at the World Cup
With the 2014 World Cup kicking off in Brazil this Thursday, excitement has reached fever pitch levels among football fans across the globe as they eagerly await the first match between Brazil and Croatia.
That will set the ball rolling on a month of football which is certain to provide high drama, wonderful goals and lots of talking points. For the past few weeks, everyone and their dog has given their predictions on what the outcome will be in Brazil come the final on Sunday 13th July.
Rather than do that, here are five teams I reckon you should keep an eye on for different reasons during the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil: The hosts may seem an obvious choice, but it is always interesting to see how the hosts do, no matter the quality of their team. The 2014 host nation also happen to be the favourites for the trophy and it will be fascinating to see how they cope with that pressure.
Despite seemingly picking up a knock in training, Neymar is fit and raring to go for their opening match against Croatia on Thursday evening and a lot will rest on the Barcelona man's shoulders. At the age of just 22, he has already scored 31 goals in 49 matches for his country and now a nation expects.
After an indifferent first season at Barcelona, there is no doubting Neymar will want to prove he is one of the best in the world, but if Brazil are to win the World Cup for a sixth time, then he is going to need help.
With 2002 World Cup winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari in charge, the Brazilians have a manager who has quite literally being there, done it and lifted the World Cup. But does he have enough depth this time? The one- named Fred, Jo and Hulk aren't exactly Emile Heskey esque when it comes to finishing but compared to other nations, in particular their South American rivals Argentina, it won't strike fear into the opposition.
This isn't a bad Brazilian squad by any means as it features plenty stars from all over Europe's top leagues, but I'm just not convinced this is a World Cup winning squad. Can they prove me wrong?
Colombia: Even without the lethal finishing of Radamel Falcao, Colombia are another South American side that should be watched with interest this summer. Blessed with a good group draw where they will come up against Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan in group C, they should be confident. None of those teams will be push overs, but Colombia will be very keen to make an impression on their first World Cup in 16 years.
They finished 2nd in the South American qualifying group (which Brazil didn't compete in as hosts), behind Argentina collecting 30 points from 16 games. With the talent of Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez in particular, Colombia play a lovely brand of football that could catch many teams unaware this summer.
Helped by having a top goalkeeper in Nice's David Ospina, experience such as captain, 38 year old Mario Yepes and the confidence to do well in the Brazilian climate, then a last 16 tie against Uruguay, Italy or England would be wonderful to watch and in the knockout stages of the World Cup, anything is possible.
England: Roy Hodgson's men are proving more difficult by the day for me to predict how they will do in this World Cup and that is why they make my list of five teams to watch. One minute I think they will be soundly beaten by Italy and Uruguay and possibly even by the vastly under-rated Costa Rica, then the next I reckon some of their youngsters could spring a surprise on some of the top nations.
Usually England make hard work of relatively easy groups, but they can't afford to do that this time thanks to their draw in Group D. The first game against Italy I suspect will be a cagey affair but if Hodgson wants to win, then I think he has to be bold and start some of these youngsters like Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley who will be eager to shine on the biggest stage of them all.
Having failed to break down a ten man Honduras on Saturday, all signs point to an early exit for them in a lot of people's eyes but I wouldn't be surprised to see them scrape through to the quarter finals.
France: Like England, France are one of the European nations who are being written off by most people before the tournament starts. And much like England, I think that's why Didier Deschamps squad will be worth watching.
Warming up with a thumping 8-0 win over Jamaica, France also enjoyed a successful qualifying campaign, only losing once to Spain before beating Ukraine 5-0 on aggregate in the play-offs. And with a fresh squad, the memories of a disastrous 2010 World Cup are long gone from the memory, although Les Blues will be keen to atone for that with a good run in Brazil.
On paper, Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras don't present the hardest of challenges to France, certainly compared to the rest of the major European nations. Whilst losing star man Franck Ribery was a big blow, there is still enough talent in this French squad for them to make an impression on the tournament. With the fire power of Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Greizmann backed up by the superb midfield talents of Paul Pogba and Mathieu Valbuena, France will not be short of creating chances.
A World Cup winner as a player in 1998, Deschamps has what it takes to inspire his players for big games and one thing is certain when it comes to France; it won't be dull viewing.
Belgium: My final side to keep an eye on is Marc Wilmots highly rated Belgian side. There has been a lot of hype around the country's national team for a few years now and they are expected to deliver big time in Brazil.
They strolled through qualifying, winning eight of their ten games including two against Scotland and only conceding four in the process. Now comes the real test though as they participate in their first finals since 2002.
They've been handed a favourable draw in Group H with Algeria, Russia and South Korea providing the opposition. Not three easy matches by any means, but with the quality they have Belgium should finish top of that group.
But will they then fall at the first hurdle? Despite having world class talent in all areas of the pitch, from goalkeeper Thibuat Courtois, to defenders Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen, to Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel in midfield and Romelu Lukaku up front, this is a massive test for Wilmots side.
They have been talked up so much, they might well panic on the big stage in Brazil and their first knock out game is likely to be against Portugal or Germany so there is a distinct possibility they will be coming home early.
There is a lot of individual talent in this Belgian team, the finest to come out of the country in a generation, but the big question is do they believe they can really go all the way?
There are 27 other teams competing in Brazil and I'm sure each and everyone one of them will have us talking at some point over the next month. It's time to sit back and enjoy a festival of football.
That will set the ball rolling on a month of football which is certain to provide high drama, wonderful goals and lots of talking points. For the past few weeks, everyone and their dog has given their predictions on what the outcome will be in Brazil come the final on Sunday 13th July.
Rather than do that, here are five teams I reckon you should keep an eye on for different reasons during the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil: The hosts may seem an obvious choice, but it is always interesting to see how the hosts do, no matter the quality of their team. The 2014 host nation also happen to be the favourites for the trophy and it will be fascinating to see how they cope with that pressure.
Despite seemingly picking up a knock in training, Neymar is fit and raring to go for their opening match against Croatia on Thursday evening and a lot will rest on the Barcelona man's shoulders. At the age of just 22, he has already scored 31 goals in 49 matches for his country and now a nation expects.
After an indifferent first season at Barcelona, there is no doubting Neymar will want to prove he is one of the best in the world, but if Brazil are to win the World Cup for a sixth time, then he is going to need help.
With 2002 World Cup winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari in charge, the Brazilians have a manager who has quite literally being there, done it and lifted the World Cup. But does he have enough depth this time? The one- named Fred, Jo and Hulk aren't exactly Emile Heskey esque when it comes to finishing but compared to other nations, in particular their South American rivals Argentina, it won't strike fear into the opposition.
This isn't a bad Brazilian squad by any means as it features plenty stars from all over Europe's top leagues, but I'm just not convinced this is a World Cup winning squad. Can they prove me wrong?
Colombia: Even without the lethal finishing of Radamel Falcao, Colombia are another South American side that should be watched with interest this summer. Blessed with a good group draw where they will come up against Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan in group C, they should be confident. None of those teams will be push overs, but Colombia will be very keen to make an impression on their first World Cup in 16 years.
They finished 2nd in the South American qualifying group (which Brazil didn't compete in as hosts), behind Argentina collecting 30 points from 16 games. With the talent of Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez in particular, Colombia play a lovely brand of football that could catch many teams unaware this summer.
Helped by having a top goalkeeper in Nice's David Ospina, experience such as captain, 38 year old Mario Yepes and the confidence to do well in the Brazilian climate, then a last 16 tie against Uruguay, Italy or England would be wonderful to watch and in the knockout stages of the World Cup, anything is possible.
England: Roy Hodgson's men are proving more difficult by the day for me to predict how they will do in this World Cup and that is why they make my list of five teams to watch. One minute I think they will be soundly beaten by Italy and Uruguay and possibly even by the vastly under-rated Costa Rica, then the next I reckon some of their youngsters could spring a surprise on some of the top nations.
Usually England make hard work of relatively easy groups, but they can't afford to do that this time thanks to their draw in Group D. The first game against Italy I suspect will be a cagey affair but if Hodgson wants to win, then I think he has to be bold and start some of these youngsters like Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley who will be eager to shine on the biggest stage of them all.
Having failed to break down a ten man Honduras on Saturday, all signs point to an early exit for them in a lot of people's eyes but I wouldn't be surprised to see them scrape through to the quarter finals.
France: Like England, France are one of the European nations who are being written off by most people before the tournament starts. And much like England, I think that's why Didier Deschamps squad will be worth watching.
Warming up with a thumping 8-0 win over Jamaica, France also enjoyed a successful qualifying campaign, only losing once to Spain before beating Ukraine 5-0 on aggregate in the play-offs. And with a fresh squad, the memories of a disastrous 2010 World Cup are long gone from the memory, although Les Blues will be keen to atone for that with a good run in Brazil.
On paper, Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras don't present the hardest of challenges to France, certainly compared to the rest of the major European nations. Whilst losing star man Franck Ribery was a big blow, there is still enough talent in this French squad for them to make an impression on the tournament. With the fire power of Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Greizmann backed up by the superb midfield talents of Paul Pogba and Mathieu Valbuena, France will not be short of creating chances.
A World Cup winner as a player in 1998, Deschamps has what it takes to inspire his players for big games and one thing is certain when it comes to France; it won't be dull viewing.
Belgium: My final side to keep an eye on is Marc Wilmots highly rated Belgian side. There has been a lot of hype around the country's national team for a few years now and they are expected to deliver big time in Brazil.
They strolled through qualifying, winning eight of their ten games including two against Scotland and only conceding four in the process. Now comes the real test though as they participate in their first finals since 2002.
They've been handed a favourable draw in Group H with Algeria, Russia and South Korea providing the opposition. Not three easy matches by any means, but with the quality they have Belgium should finish top of that group.
But will they then fall at the first hurdle? Despite having world class talent in all areas of the pitch, from goalkeeper Thibuat Courtois, to defenders Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen, to Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel in midfield and Romelu Lukaku up front, this is a massive test for Wilmots side.
They have been talked up so much, they might well panic on the big stage in Brazil and their first knock out game is likely to be against Portugal or Germany so there is a distinct possibility they will be coming home early.
There is a lot of individual talent in this Belgian team, the finest to come out of the country in a generation, but the big question is do they believe they can really go all the way?
There are 27 other teams competing in Brazil and I'm sure each and everyone one of them will have us talking at some point over the next month. It's time to sit back and enjoy a festival of football.
Monday 9 June 2014
Amelie Mauresmo is a very shrewd appointment by Andy Murray
Despite being the current Wimbledon champion and having also won an Olympic Gold and a US Open in the last two years, it is fair to say that since that Wimbledon triumph, Andy Murray has reached a bit of a crossroads in his career.
Ruled out of the last quarter of 2013, so he could have vital back surgery, Murray hasn't exactly roared back in 2014. He has slipped to number eight in the rankings and has suffered a meek defeat to Sanitago Giraldo in Madrid as well as slipping up against Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov, two of the game's bright young talents from winning positions in Indian Wells and Mexico respectively.
However, the signs are starting to look rosier for Murray. In the event before the French Open, the Rome Masters he played his greatest clay court tennis of all time to take the first 6-1 off Rafael Nadal and led 4-2 in the final set, before succumbing 7-5.
And in the French Open he played his first two five set matches since coming back from back surgery and won them both, which was an extremely positive sign. Firstly in the third round, he defeated German Philipp Kohlschreiber over the course of two days, eventually winning 12-10 in the final set before winning his quarter final against Gael Monfils 6-0 on Wednesday in the fifth in one of the craziest matches of tennis I have ever witnessed. Cruising at two sets up, Murray let Monfils off the hook in the third before being destroyed 6-1 in the fourth set.
With a home crowd behind him, Monfils looked to have all the momentum in fading light. Incredibly it was Murray who ran away with the fifth set 6-0 to ensure he wouldn't have to play another two day match. Although he was soundly beaten by Rafael Nadal in Friday's semi final, Murray has to be upbeat going into the grass court season where he of course defends his titles won superbly last year at Queens and Wimbledon.
And that is where the appointment of two time grand slam champion Amelie Mauresmo as announced by Murray yesterday comes in. Not many will have seen this coming, even if some including myself were very intrigued by Mauresmo watching his first round match at the French Open on May 27.
It seems as though the wheels had been in motion before that and now it is in place it will be fascinating to see how it pans out. Although Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan is coached by his mother and Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan is coached by his wife, this is the first high profile appointment of a woman in the men's game.
And I reckon it might just work wonders for Murray. After splitting with Ivan Lendl in March, Murray knew he was never going to find a like for like replacement for the man who helped him win two grand slams and Olympic Gold.
But what he did need was someone with great tennis knowledge, someone who would focus him on and off the court and someone who can help him win more Grand Slams. Mauresmo ticks all three of those boxes. As a former World Number One and two time grand slam champion, she did it all during a 16 year playing career and won close to £9m in prize money.
Interestingly for Murray, one of those two Grand Slam titles was at Wimbledon in 2006 and she won that with a superb volley game, something Murray might take into account as he defends his crown. And better still, she was part of the coaching staff that helped her fellow countrywoman Marion Bartoli win Wimbledon last year against long odds.
Mauresmo was never the flashiest of tennis players and didn't particularly like the limelight, something which I am sure would have appealed to Murray who likes his quiet life with girlfriend Kim Sears and their dog Maggie May. And that can help prepare Murray for being the focus of attention at Wimbledon, which he has been the centre of for the British press and fans ever since he burst on the scene in 2005.
Mauresmo also knows what it's like to have that pressure of being the home favourite at a Grand Slam tournament, although unlike Murray she didn't manage to win her home tournament, her best being two quarter final appearances. However, with 545 singles wins to her name, and a win in the Australian Open to go along with that title at SW19, she knows how to win big matches. And having someone like that to look up to in the players box is exactly what Murray's being needing since the split from Lendl.
Whilst Lendl didn't have to change much in Murray's game in order for him to win a Grand Slam, it was his sheer presence in that box that gave Murray the belief he could win the biggest titles of them all. Without him, Murray's focus in certain matches, particularly in those two aforementioned five set matches has waned.
And to those who scoff at the idea of a male player being coached by a woman (thankfully I've seen little backlash to Mauresmo's appointment so far), then consider the fact that Judy Murray, Andy's mother, has been a huge influence on his career from a young age and that is bound to have come into Murray's thinking. Judy is still a key presence at his big matches and has always believed in him and Murray's comments surrounding that yesterday were impressive as he said the appointment of Mauresmo didn't feel like something different and that he will be able to communicate with her.
Plenty were surprised when Murray hired Ivan Lendl and look how that turned out. Andy Murray often surprises us on court with brilliant shot making. Now he's done it off court once again. And he might have just played a blinder.
Ruled out of the last quarter of 2013, so he could have vital back surgery, Murray hasn't exactly roared back in 2014. He has slipped to number eight in the rankings and has suffered a meek defeat to Sanitago Giraldo in Madrid as well as slipping up against Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov, two of the game's bright young talents from winning positions in Indian Wells and Mexico respectively.
However, the signs are starting to look rosier for Murray. In the event before the French Open, the Rome Masters he played his greatest clay court tennis of all time to take the first 6-1 off Rafael Nadal and led 4-2 in the final set, before succumbing 7-5.
And in the French Open he played his first two five set matches since coming back from back surgery and won them both, which was an extremely positive sign. Firstly in the third round, he defeated German Philipp Kohlschreiber over the course of two days, eventually winning 12-10 in the final set before winning his quarter final against Gael Monfils 6-0 on Wednesday in the fifth in one of the craziest matches of tennis I have ever witnessed. Cruising at two sets up, Murray let Monfils off the hook in the third before being destroyed 6-1 in the fourth set.
With a home crowd behind him, Monfils looked to have all the momentum in fading light. Incredibly it was Murray who ran away with the fifth set 6-0 to ensure he wouldn't have to play another two day match. Although he was soundly beaten by Rafael Nadal in Friday's semi final, Murray has to be upbeat going into the grass court season where he of course defends his titles won superbly last year at Queens and Wimbledon.
And that is where the appointment of two time grand slam champion Amelie Mauresmo as announced by Murray yesterday comes in. Not many will have seen this coming, even if some including myself were very intrigued by Mauresmo watching his first round match at the French Open on May 27.
It seems as though the wheels had been in motion before that and now it is in place it will be fascinating to see how it pans out. Although Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan is coached by his mother and Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan is coached by his wife, this is the first high profile appointment of a woman in the men's game.
And I reckon it might just work wonders for Murray. After splitting with Ivan Lendl in March, Murray knew he was never going to find a like for like replacement for the man who helped him win two grand slams and Olympic Gold.
But what he did need was someone with great tennis knowledge, someone who would focus him on and off the court and someone who can help him win more Grand Slams. Mauresmo ticks all three of those boxes. As a former World Number One and two time grand slam champion, she did it all during a 16 year playing career and won close to £9m in prize money.
Interestingly for Murray, one of those two Grand Slam titles was at Wimbledon in 2006 and she won that with a superb volley game, something Murray might take into account as he defends his crown. And better still, she was part of the coaching staff that helped her fellow countrywoman Marion Bartoli win Wimbledon last year against long odds.
Mauresmo was never the flashiest of tennis players and didn't particularly like the limelight, something which I am sure would have appealed to Murray who likes his quiet life with girlfriend Kim Sears and their dog Maggie May. And that can help prepare Murray for being the focus of attention at Wimbledon, which he has been the centre of for the British press and fans ever since he burst on the scene in 2005.
Mauresmo also knows what it's like to have that pressure of being the home favourite at a Grand Slam tournament, although unlike Murray she didn't manage to win her home tournament, her best being two quarter final appearances. However, with 545 singles wins to her name, and a win in the Australian Open to go along with that title at SW19, she knows how to win big matches. And having someone like that to look up to in the players box is exactly what Murray's being needing since the split from Lendl.
Whilst Lendl didn't have to change much in Murray's game in order for him to win a Grand Slam, it was his sheer presence in that box that gave Murray the belief he could win the biggest titles of them all. Without him, Murray's focus in certain matches, particularly in those two aforementioned five set matches has waned.
And to those who scoff at the idea of a male player being coached by a woman (thankfully I've seen little backlash to Mauresmo's appointment so far), then consider the fact that Judy Murray, Andy's mother, has been a huge influence on his career from a young age and that is bound to have come into Murray's thinking. Judy is still a key presence at his big matches and has always believed in him and Murray's comments surrounding that yesterday were impressive as he said the appointment of Mauresmo didn't feel like something different and that he will be able to communicate with her.
Plenty were surprised when Murray hired Ivan Lendl and look how that turned out. Andy Murray often surprises us on court with brilliant shot making. Now he's done it off court once again. And he might have just played a blinder.
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