Murray happy to rely on mum while seeking elusive first Grand Slam

MELBOURNE - British No 1 Andy Murray is attempting to win his first Grand Slam with his mother and best friend providing the technical expertise.

There is no Paul Annacone, experienced former mentor to Pete Sampras and Tim Henman who is now working with Roger Federer, to speak to. He is also content for his part-time consultant Alex Corretja to stay at home.

According to the Daily Mail, when he faces Ukrainian world No 79 Illya Marchenko in the second round, he will turn for advice to former academy chum and hitting partner Dani Vallverdu, or mother Judy.

Murray explained his rationale after the retirement of first-round opponent Karol Beck at 6-3, 6-1, 4-2, someone he probably could have overcome with Coco the Clown in his corner.

“I talk with Danni at length about all the matches I play. I actually find it easier to communicate with him because I have known him so well for such a long time,” he said.

Murray’s natural inclination is to be a one-man committee. He has a top-class trainer and physio and enjoys a sounding board but needs to work things out for himself.

Hence he is comfortable with the fact that Vallverdu is no super coach: too comfortable, it might be argued.

Murray met him as a teenager at the Casal-Sanchez Academy in Barcelona but the 24-year-old Venezuelan did not make it as a professional, only reaching a ranking in the 700s in singles and doubles.

Murray tends to play down the role of his mother, partly because he is aware it hardly does much for the image of a 23-year-old man.

She does have influence, however, and is one of the sharpest and most innovative thinkers on tennis in the UK. (ANI)