Murray cites 'difference of opinion' in split from coach

Andy Murray’s determination to be master of his own destiny claimed a casualty today as Mark Petchey lost his job as the British number one’s coach.

The 18-year-old has shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks, after several gruelling months in the United States, during which he claimed his maiden ATP tour title in San Jose.

Petchey has looked after Murray’s hectic schedule and, although neither side would elaborate on the reason for the split today, the young Scot admitted there had been “a difference of opinion” between the pair.

“Mark has been a big part of my success in the last 10 months and we had a great run together, but we have had a difference of opinion regarding some aspects of my game,” said Murray.

“It was a very difficult decision and based solely on the development of my tennis.

“From a personal point of view, Mark and his family have been very supportive of me and I am very grateful.

“I have not thought about my next coach yet and will take my time to try to find one that can help me develop the next stages of my tennis.

“We are not in a hurry. It has barely been a full year that I have been on the professional tour (full time), and I am continuously learning new things.”

Murray began working with Petchey just before Wimbledon last year, where he reached the third round before losing in five sets to 2002 finalist David Nalbandian.

The pair seemed to strike up an excellent player-coach relationship and steps were swiftly taken to extricate Petchey from some of his media commitments, in an effort to make their partnership full-time.

A compromise was reached, which has allowed Petchey to dedicate much of his time to Murray’s blossoming career.

And by helping the youngster climb from outside the world’s top 400 to 44th in just 10 months the 35-year-old former Davis Cup player can point to a job well done.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved together; getting Andy into the top 50 and winning his first ATP title at the age of 18,” Petchey stated.

“I have no doubt that Andy will make the top 10 and be a Grand Slam winner in the future and wish him every success.”

How long Murray can cope without a coach at his side remains to be seen.

Other players, including Tim Henman, have tried it, and although some are comfortable – Roger Federer won three grand slam titles in 2004 without a coach - others find themselves lacking direction.

Murray has plenty still to learn, and Petchey’s former Davis Cup team-mate Chris Bailey – who has also turned to presenting – considers it vital he finds a suitable new drillmaster.

“He needs to get someone who he will have a lasting relationship with,” Bailey said.

“He needs someone he has more respect for and just do whatever they say.

“It shows the ruthless side to Andy Murray – we always thought they would be a partnership that would last years.

“I don’t think this will set him back at all, let’s not forget he won in San Jose recently when Mark wasn’t there.”