Murray splits up with coach Gilbert

LONDON: British No 1 Andy Murray has split up with coach Brad Gilbert after working together for 17 months.

"Despite being injured for almost four months this year I am pleased with my 2007 results and very grateful for the help the LTA gave me by providing Brad Gilbert as a coach," Murray told the Lawn Tennis Association's website (www.lta.org.uk) on Wednesday.

"But the time has come to move on to the next stage of my career. I am ranked 11th in the world and can afford to pay my own way and will now hire a team of experts each to fulfil a specified role in the development of my tennis and fitness."

It is not clear if Gilbert, who according to media reports is paid an annual salary of 750,000 pounds ($1.56 million) by the LTA, will continue working for the governing body of British tennis as performance director.

The American was hired last year not only to work with Murray but to raise the level of British tennis which, apart from Murray, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, has stagnated for many years.

"We are currently reviewing the situation in relation to Brad and will look to make a decision in the near future," said LTA chief executive Roger Draper.

"Andy's success is vital for British tennis and he has become an inspirational figure for followers of the sport. It is essential he has a team around him that will allow him to fulfil his potential."

Gilbert, who previously worked with Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, helped the 20-year-old Murray break into the world's top 10 this year, reaching a high of eighth before damaged wrist tendons forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon.

The Scot won two ATP titles under Gilbert's guidance and reached three other finals.

Despite missing a chunk of the year while his wrist recovered, he was one match victory away from qualifying for the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Agencies

(China Daily 11/16/2007 page24)