Andy Murray reunites with Lendl to solve ‘Djokovic problem’
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World No.2 Andy Murray announced on Sunday that he has agreed on a deal to resume coaching ties with Ivan Lendl, two years after they parted ways. The Scot believes that his decision to reunite with the former coach will play a key role in winning the battles against World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
Murray and Ivan Lendl went their own ways back in 2014 after the United States-based 56-year-old refused to spend more time with the Scot in the gruelling ATP tour. The 29-year-old then chose to appoint Amelie Mauresmo as the coach, but the two announced a mutual end to their partnership back in May after two years of coaching. Murray then reached out to the former Serbian legend to see if a reunion was possible.
"I only spoke to him on the phone on Thursday. It was the first time I'd spoken to him for a few months, so it happened unbelievably quickly," Murray said.
"He slept on it and messaged me on Saturday to say he really wanted to do it.
"There's not a time-frame on it, but I would like it to continue as long as possible," Murray was quoted as saying by AFP.
One of the reasons for the Scot to reunite with Lendl is to end Novak Djokovic’s reign at the top of rankings. The Serbian has defeated Murray 24 times in their 34 encounters and now holds all the four grand slams after defeating the Scot in the French Open final. But, Murray believes that Lendl can help him achieve his greatness, starting with the Wimbledon later this month.
"I'm sure we will talk about Novak because the goal is to try to win the major events and currently to do that you more than likely have to get past Novak," Murray told reporters at Queen's Club on Sunday.
"That will be a big part of it. It's about developing your game so when you come up against the big players you are ready to do it and you don't just change your game for one match.
"I'm on the right track but I think Ivan will be able to help with some things. I don't think it's just mental. Novak is playing great tennis, it's as simple as that.
"The last few matches I've played against him, they are not all negative, there are a lot of positives.
"I'm getting closer. I think there's a few things Ivan will be able to help me with," the 29-year-old said.
Lendl is due to fly to London to link up with Murray before the Wimbledon, and the Scot said that he can’t wait to get started.
"With Ivan, we work very well together for a number of reasons. He's a leader, a strong voice, and a genuine team player," Murray added. We've had a lot of similar experiences, so I can speak to him and learn how he dealt with those situations."
"When we stopped working before we didn't fall out.
"When Ivan agrees to do something he goes into it 100 percent, so even him agreeing gives me a little boost," Murray said, reported AFP.
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