Veteran tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has offered a "guiding hand" to British number one Andy Murray as he steps up his search for a new coach.
The 74-year-old American played a key role in the careers of Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova.
"I've spoken with Andy's mum, Judy Murray, in the past couple of days and Andy knows my offer is on the table," Bollettieri told The Independent.
"They have a lot of options and will take time to make the right decision."
Murray, 18, split from coach Mark Petchey last week after only 10 months together, citing a "difference of opinion".
Bolletttieri is not keen on a day-to-day role on the tour, but feels he could become part of Murray's support team.
"There can be a role for an older guiding hand to offer advice, perspective, sometimes one-on-one intensive sessions ahead of big events - it's the job I think I could do for Andy," he added.
Murray's mother Judy is a coach herself in Scottish tennis and is familiar with Bollettieri's famed academy in Florida. One of her former charges, 16-year-old Graeme Dyce from Edinburgh, is currently a student there.
Bollettieri outlined Murray's "natural talent" and "attitude" as reasons why he would like to work with the teenage Scot.
"I've likened him before to Jim Courier, the ultimate workhorse, because I see his determination to give his all," he added.
"And he's got that radical streak I saw in a young Agassi when I was his coach. He knows his mind and he's not afraid to voice it.
"Andy has the potential, with hard work and the right guidance and the proper dedication, to win major tournaments."
From the Independent http://sport.independent.co.uk/tennis/article359055.ece
Murray's camp ponders offer from Bollettieri By Nick Harris Published: 21 April 2006
Nick Bollettieri has offered to become part of Andy Murray's coaching team and the veteran American's proposal will be one of several considered as Britain's No 1 tennis player maps out the direction in which he wants to take his career.
Murray, 18, split with his full-time coach, Mark Petchey, last week, after only 10 months together. He cited a "difference of opinion" over his game. Bollettieri, 74, who had a pivotal role in developing the careers of Grand Slam winners including Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova at his Florida academy, has already spoken to Murray's mother and mentor, Judy, about some kind of link-up.
Writing in today's Independent, Bollettieri says: "I have something to offer as part of a team." He discounts the possibility of returning to a day-to-day life on tour, but adds: "There can be a role for an older guiding hand to offer advice, perspective, sometimes one-on-one intensive sessions ahead of big events ... it's the job I think I could do for Andy."
Bollettieri made the initial approach to the Murray camp earlier this week. He then spoke to Judy Murray on Wednesday, outlining how he might be able assist Andy Murray's development. The offer will be discussed by the Murray camp in the next few days. They are in no hurry to come to a decision, and Murray is likely to find an interim coach to work with him in the coming weeks before selecting a full-time coach.
Mrs Murray, a long-standing coach herself in Scottish tennis, knows Bollettieri and is familiar with his set-up in Florida. One of her former students, Graeme Dyce, a 16-year-old from Edinburgh, is currently a student at Bollettieri's. Since studying there, Dyce has become the top British youngster, rising as high as No 100 in the junior world rankings.
Bollettieri is not alone in offering assistance to Murray since the parting of the ways with Petchey, and a key factor in whether they work together could be the stance of whoever ends up as Murray's full-time day-to-day coach. It would not be unusual for a coach to want sole control of the player's development, in which case there would be no role for Bollettieri. Another option is for Bollettieri to provide a travelling coach and work as a senior mentor within a team.
One thing is certain, Murray does not lack options, although Tim Henman jokingly ruled himself out yesterday as being too expensive to afford.
Nick Bollettieri has offered to become part of Andy Murray's coaching team and the veteran American's proposal will be one of several considered as Britain's No 1 tennis player maps out the direction in which he wants to take his career.
Murray, 18, split with his full-time coach, Mark Petchey, last week, after only 10 months together. He cited a "difference of opinion" over his game. Bollettieri, 74, who had a pivotal role in developing the careers of Grand Slam winners including Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova at his Florida academy, has already spoken to Murray's mother and mentor, Judy, about some kind of link-up.
Writing in today's Independent, Bollettieri says: "I have something to offer as part of a team." He discounts the possibility of returning to a day-to-day life on tour, but adds: "There can be a role for an older guiding hand to offer advice, perspective, sometimes one-on-one intensive sessions ahead of big events ... it's the job I think I could do for Andy."
Bollettieri made the initial approach to the Murray camp earlier this week. He then spoke to Judy Murray on Wednesday, outlining how he might be able assist Andy Murray's development. The offer will be discussed by the Murray camp in the next few days. They are in no hurry to come to a decision, and Murray is likely to find an interim coach to work with him in the coming weeks before selecting a full-time coach.
Mrs Murray, a long-standing coach herself in Scottish tennis, knows Bollettieri and is familiar with his set-up in Florida. One of her former students, Graeme Dyce, a 16-year-old from Edinburgh, is currently a student at Bollettieri's. Since studying there, Dyce has become the top British youngster, rising as high as No 100 in the junior world rankings.
Bollettieri is not alone in offering assistance to Murray since the parting of the ways with Petchey, and a key factor in whether they work together could be the stance of whoever ends up as Murray's full-time day-to-day coach. It would not be unusual for a coach to want sole control of the player's development, in which case there would be no role for Bollettieri. Another option is for Bollettieri to provide a travelling coach and work as a senior mentor within a team.
One thing is certain, Murray does not lack options, although Tim Henman jokingly ruled himself out yesterday as being too expensive to afford.
As mkkreuk says, definately not Bolliteri as a full-time coach as it would be a bit like the situation Andy had with Pato Alvarez as there would be such an age difference - I wouldn't think that they'd be able to get on together when travelling on tour.
However, I reckon he would be excellent as an adviser and for one-to-one coaching sessions every so often, he would be able to provide crucial advice on fitness and also on mental preparation ahead of big tournaments.
At the moment Andy seems very indecisive about how he should play in matches, whether to play the more conservative counter-punching role or whether to try and step up and be more aggressive. This indecision is showing in his matches as he's making too many unforced errors at the moment.
I think that if Andy is to reach the top of the game he needs to become a more aggressive player from the baseline but combine this with his other assets - the drop shots, slices and loopy topspin shots to mix up the pace of his shots, his natural volleying skills and anticipation at the net etc. I reckon some advice from Bolliteri would help Andy work towards this eventual goal.
I wouldn't be at all keen on having Bollettieri involved in a part time capacity. IMO an oversized coaching team would lead to contradiction and confusion. Andy needs to find a coach who will work with him on developing his style of play in a way he is comfortable with. Part time advisors would only complicate matters. I also share the concerns of Madeline that Bollettieri's style would not suit Andy's natural game.
