“It was an incredible experience,” Andy Murray’s former coach reflects on his partnership with the Brit
Follow Us
Andy Murray, three time Grandslam champion has several coaches in his career. In every sport, it is usually the first coach that makes a difference. He grooms the player, preparing him for the tough challenges that lay ahead of him. Leon Smith, first coach of Andy Murray revealed his experience of working with the Brit.
Smith started coaching Murray when the latter was only 11 years old. Under his guidance, Murray claimed the Junior Orange Bowl under-12 title and 5 ITF Futures events. Smith coached Murray until he was 16, but he had a profound impact on his career. When Murray had no full time coach for the French Open 2016, Smith took the seat in the box.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Leon. “I got to travel internationally to the best junior events and I got to see everything,” he added.
I gave everything: Smith on coaching Murray
Leon Smith started out as a professional coach at an age of just 18 years. “I was very hungry, passionate, willing to learn, willing to travel. It’s one thing when you get a break but you’ve also got to make the most of it and I hope and I think I did,” he said.
Judy Murray, mother of Andy Murray hired Leon as the coach of Andy Murray and the Scotland Team which further motivated him during his initial days. “I gave everything to the people I coached in the younger years and Judy just kept giving me opportunities,” said Smith.
In 2010, Leon became the youngest captain of Great Britain Davis Cup Team in three decades. In 2015, they ended the 79 year long Davis Cup drought after they defeated Belgium in the finals, with Murray sealing the title with an incredible winner.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)