New coach Mauresmo praises Murray for 'surprise' appointment

Amelie Mauresmo insists Wimbledon champion Andy Murray's surprise decision to hire her as his new coach should be applauded as a major boost for gender equality in tennis.

Murray on Sunday announced the Frenchwoman will coach him during his grass-court campaign, starting at Queen's this week ahead of his Wimbledon title defense from June 23.

The 27-year-old Scot will become one of the few male players to be coached by a woman and the only one among the world's top 10.