ANDY MURRAY TIPPED TO COACH EMMA RADUCANU AND FORM TENNIS 'DREAM TEAM'
Andy Murray has been tipped to become Emma Raducanu's coach when he retires from tennis. The 37-year-old has struggled with injuries during the latter part of his career and is expected to call time on his playing days later this year.
Raducanu could reap the rewards if she links up with Murray, having suffered a string of her own injury issues.
The 21-year-old was crowned US Open champion in 2021 when she was still only 18 but has failed to kick on ever since.
Murray's former coach Mark Petchey discussed his former client as he spoke to BoyleSports. And after being asked if the Scot could team up with Raducanu in the future, he replied: "Absolutely. Of course he could.
"If that option came up for Emma she would be mad not to take it. That would be the dream team in so many ways. He would be phenomenal."
Petchey began working with Murray in June 2005 and spent 10 months alongside the blockbuster star before the duo parted company in April 2006.
Murray went on to win his first Grand Slam title in 2012 when he lifted the US Open trophy, before backing that up with Wimbledon triumph the following year. And the veteran also won Wimbledon for a second time in 2016.
He underwent hip operations at the start of 2018 and 2019 to prolong his career and has continued to compete at Grand Slams when his fitness has allowed him to.
And his tenacity on and off the court could come as a boost to Raducanu, who has failed to make it beyond the second round of a Grand Slam since tasting success at Flushing Meadows.
The young star missed three majors last year as she was forced to undergo operations on both her wrists and an ankle and was then dumped out of this year's Australian Open in the second round. But she has been handed a wildcard at this year's Wimbledon after falling to No 168 in the world rankings.
"She is way too good not to get back," Petchey added as he spoke about Raducanu. "There are a lot of great players in the women's game. It won't be easy for her. Does she want to do it? Yes, of course. I am not going to say she is guaranteed to win another major but I'd be surprised if she didn't.
"[She needs to] be herself. There are some amazing coaches out there who have had a fundamental impact on players' careers. But for Emma and indeed Andy, they have an unbelievable grasp of what needs to happen between the lines.
"She just needs to make sure there are people around her who understand her whole backstory and just keep pushing forward. I would be amazed if in 12 months if she stays fully fit, she is not back in the top 20."
2024-06-27T14:12:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd