Andy Murray splits with coach Ivan Lendl
Following a two-year relationship, Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has parted ways with coach Ivan Lendl - the man who turned him from a four-time grand slam runner-up into a two-time major champion.
Murray and Lendl announced their decision on the British player's blog on Wednesday, a few days after Murray lost in the fourth round at Indian Wells.
I'm eternally grateful to Ivan for all his hard work over the past two years, the most successful of my career so far
"I'm eternally grateful to Ivan for all his hard work over the past two years, the most successful of my career so far," said Murray, who returned from back surgery this season. "As a team, we've learned a lot and it will definitely be of benefit in the future. I'll take some time with the team to consider the next steps and how we progress from here."
With Lendl, Murray won Olympic gold in London in 2012 and the US Open title later the same year. Last year, he became the first British player to triumph at Wimbledon in 77 years.
Before winning the US Open, Murray was 0-4 in grand slam finals. Only one other man in the Open era, which began in 1968, lost his first four major titles matches: Lendl. The Czech-born baseline player then went on to win eight grand slam singles titles during a 17-year career.
Lendl first got involved with Murray in December 2011. Lendl immediately struck a chord with him as Murray made it to the Wimbledon final, where he lost to Roger Federer in four sets.
Murray's breakthrough came a month later when he beat Federer in the Olympic final at the All England Club. He then defeated defending champion Novak Djokovic in the final at Flushing Meadows to win his first grand slam singles title.
"Working with Andy over the last two years has been a fantastic experience for me," Lendl said. "He is a first-class guy. Having helped him achieve his goal of winning major titles, I feel like it is time for me to concentrate on some of my own projects."
