Tennis
Henman rejects Murray coaching role
Tennis

Henman rejects Murray coaching role

Published Mar. 30, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

Tim Henman took himself out of the running to become Andy Murray's full-time coach after suggesting that he was not prepared to jet across the world to aid the British number one's cause, Sky Sports reported Wednesday.

Henman was linked with the vacant role after the out-of-form 23 year old announced Tuesday that he parted ways with Alex Corretja.

Brad Gilbert, a former mentor of Murray, believes that Henman would be the perfect appointment, as someone who would command the respect of the current top-ranked Briton.

And while the previous British number one said he would like to get more involved in tennis again, the 36-year-old former world No. 4 told UK newspaper The Daily Mail that he was not looking to travel at this time.

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"I'm a great supporter of Andy's and wouldn't rule out coaching at some time in the future, but not now," Henman said.

Murray is enduring the worst slump in form of his career after losing four matches in a row since his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open.

Failing Henman, Gilbert said Ivan Lendl would be the ideal candidate to take on the role.

Lendl has no previous experience in a coaching capacity, but the eight-time grand slam champion has a wealth of experience on the Tour, having spent 270 weeks at the summit of the sport.

"I don't think it matters that he hasn't coached on tour before," Gilbert said. "You're talking about a very smart and intelligent guy who has incredible experience of the game and has been through what Andy has in terms of early Grand Slam finals. He would garner a lot of respect, and he's not someone who would do anything unless he could do it properly."

Lendl's former coach, the Australian Tony Roche, is also believed to be interested in helping Murray's game, although he currently holds allegiance to the former world number one, Lleyton Hewitt.

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