Andy Murray admits he would love to have Amelie Mauresmo as his coach on a long-term basis after making the perfect start to their bold partnership at Queen’s Club.
Wimbledon champion Murray shocked the tennis world on Sunday when he announced that Frenchwoman Mauresmo would replace Ivan Lendl, who quit in March, as his coach for at least the grass-court season.
In the circumstances, Murray opening his Queen’s title defence on Wednesday with a routine 6-4 6-4 second-round victory over France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu was exactly the kind of low-stress first date the pair needed.
“It’s different obviously. Any time you start new with anyone it’s going to be slightly different,” Murray said.
“We spoke a bit about the match and the tactics and then chatted a little bit afterwards. But this week there’s not going to be any big changes in my game.
“We will chat about the stuff I will be working on over the next few days, and then after the tournament is finished here, I’ll get four or five days of practice where I can work on some things before Wimbledon.”
Murray has already been impressed by Mauresmo’s calm personality and questioning nature during their brief time together.
The world number five, who was coached by his mother Judy at the start of his career, makes no bones about his desire to cement the relationship for the foreseeable future.
“With all coaches, most players will have a trial period,” Murray said.
“I hope it works out long term because I like her. She’s a good person.
“We’ll sit down after Wimbledon. We haven’t agreed specifically on anything long-term just yet. There is a number of weeks that I would like.”
Murray insisted he hadn’t dwelt long on the social significance of his trailblazing decision because he is more concerned with how Mauresmo can improve his game.
“It was obviously a consideration that she’s female, because for a few years I haven’t worked with a woman,” Murray said.
“I gave it a little bit of thought, but now the decision has been made it’s not something I’m thinking about.”