Andy Murray splits with coach Miles Maclagan ahead of US Open
Published:British number one Andy Murray has sacked his coach of three years Miles Maclagan, despite being in the middle of preparations for the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles.
The event is the Scot’s first since losing in the Wimbledon semi-final and he evidently felt the time was right to end a partnership with the 35-year-old former pro.
Murray will continue with Spaniard Alex Corretja in the run-up to the US Open, which starts on August 30th, and assess the situation after Flushing Meadows.
The world number four is the third-favourite to win the US Open at 7/2, behind favourite Rafael Nadal (5/2) and Roger Federer (11/4).
In what appears to be a highly amicable split, Murray said: “I’ve had a great relationship with Miles and I want to thank him for his positive contribution to my career.”
Maclagan said: “It’s been a privilege to work with Andy as his coach and I’m happy to have played my part in his career.”
Maclagan joined the 23-year-old in November 2007, after Murray left Brad Gilbert, and became part of ‘Team Murray’, alongside strength and conditioning coaches Jez Green and Matt Little and physio Andy Ireland.
Together they helped Murray rise from 11th in the world to a career-high ranking of second, and guided the player to his first Grand Slam finals, the US Open in 2008 and the Australian Open in 2010.
However, Murray has failed to win an event this year and with a major title still eluding him the shake-up is understandable.
He is the top seed for the Farmers Classic, which began this week, though, and has a bye into the second round. Last year’s champion Sam Querrey should be the man to watch out for.
World number 27 Feliciano Lopez is in action today at 8.05pm, against Dudi Sela. The Spaniard is fourth seed for the competition and should be taken at 11/8, to win the match 2-0.
After this week’s tournament in Los Angeles, Murray will play at the Rogers Cup in Toronto and the Cincinnati Masters. Another rival at the US Open will be Novak Djokovic, who is the current world number two and is a tempting 8/1 to win the major at Flushing Meadows.
