Lendl partnership needs time: Murray

Andy Murray does not expect his link-up with Ivan Lendl to bear fruit immediately. The Scot appointed Lendl as his new coach at the end of last year and has been working alongside the eight-time major winner ahead of the Australian Open which gets under way on Monday

Andy Murray does not expect his link-up with Ivan Lendl to bear fruit immediately. The Scot appointed Lendl as his new coach at the end of last year and has been working alongside the eight-time major winner ahead of the Australian Open which gets under way on Monday.


Scot Andy Murray and coach Ivan Lendl during a practice session
in Melbourne on Saturday. PIC/Getty Images

The new partnership has increased optimism Murray might soon make the breakthrough and claim his first grand slam crown after three unsuccessful final appearances, the last two here in Melbourne.

But the World No 4 claimed it would take time for Lendl to have a significant influence. He said: "I'm not going to get the benefits from having Ivan this week.

I'm going to see it in six months, 12 months' time, when all the things we work on start falling into place. "I mean, it's obviously good to have someone with his experience around the slams and these situations, but in terms of the actual improvements in my game, it's going to take a little bit longer than a week to make changes.

Murray admitted, though, the early signs had been encouraging, adding: "I really enjoy being around him. We've got on well so far. Hopefully that continues."

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