Andy Murray’s former coach says partnership helped break gender barriers in tennis
Andy Murray’s former coach Amélie Mauresmo has said that their coaching partnership helped to break down gender barriers in tennis.
World #2 tennis star Andy Murray recently announced he would end his partnership with his coach, out player Amélie Mauresmo.
Mauresmo, who was previously the world #1 ranked female player, came out as a lesbian in 1999 – and last year took time out from training for maternity leave to welcome her first child with her partner.
In an interview with L’Equipe Magazine, she spoke about her reasons for leaving – adding that juggling responsibilities and her absence from the pitch had led to a strain in their relationship.
She said: “Andy is complex. On court, he can be opposite of what he is in life. It can be confusing. I was here to help. I had the feeling I could not take things further anymore.”
However, she added: “It was a beautiful adventure. A woman coaching a man, it breaks a few barriers in the world of men’s tennis.
“I liked the way Andy works, I liked to work with his team. He’s very curious, always in research. That’s what makes great champions.”
Murray last year dedicated a win over Novak Djokovic to Mauresmo after the family welcomed a baby boy.
He said: “I’m not sure she would have stay up to watch… but Amélie, this one’s for you.”
Announcing the shift last month, he said: “I’ve learned a lot from Amélie over the past two years.
“She’s been a calming influence in the team and we’ll miss having her around.
“I’ll take some time to consider the next steps and how we progress from here, but I’d like to thank her for everything she has done, she’s been an invaluable member of the team.”
Mauresmo added: “Working with Andy over the last two years has been a fantastic experience for me.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the great team of people he has around him.
“Dedicating enough time along with the travel has been a challenge for me. I wish him and the team well and I hope he goes on to win any more titles.”
