Jimmy Connors had admitted to switching off his TV after watching Andy Murray’s poor play in the 2011 Australian Open finals against Novak Djokovic
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Andy Murray and Jimmy Connors
Jimmy Connors remains the most successful singles champion on the ATP Tour with 109 titles to his name. He won 8 Grand Slam titles during his 24-year-long career while also picking 2 doubles majors. He was the World No. 1 for then record 268 weeks of which he spent 160 consecutive weeks at the top as well.
A respected name in tennis circles, Connors was particularly critical of Andy Murray when the Briton was still looking for his first Grand Slam title. Murray suffered 4 consecutive Grand Slam finals losses before winning his first at the 2013 Wimbledon. After losing the 2011 Australian Open finals to Novak Djokovic in straight sets, Murray was subjected to some harsh words by the American.
“Andy’s still a kid, and his best years are in front of him, even though he has already been in the final of the US Open, and two finals at the Australian Open. But it’s important for Andy to understand that you have to grasp – grab – those chances when they come as there’s no knowing when they come around again.
“If you don’t take advantage of them, before you know it your time has run out. I began watching his Australian Open final against Djokovic, but I admit I turned off the television. A few things I saw made me think the match was over in the first five or six games,” Connors had said as per DailyMail UK.
Jimmy Connors had offered to coach Andy Murray but the Briton brought on Connors’ rival Ivan Lendl instead
Following the defeat to Djokovic in Melbourne, Murray lost to Roger Federer in the finals of the 2012 Wimbledon as well. During the interview criticizing Murray, Connors had also offered to coach the youngster who had quickly become a big name in British tennis and also on the ATP Tour.
“If I learned a lot, one thing never changed – if I’m involved, with my reputation on the line, there’s no messing around. It’s a serious business. If it’s Andy Roddick, or Andy Murray, I’d want him to win more. That’s what I put into anything I do. Tennis is not rocket science. A couple of tweaks would make a world of difference to Andy.
“But unless he’s willing to listen, it’d be no good. I’d ask one question, “Do you trust me? I’m going to make you a Grand Slam winner – all discussable, of course – but you have to trust me to give you a game to prepare you to beat any player, on any given day,” Connors had added.
Murray however did not take Connors’ offer and instead brought on Ivan Lendl, one of Connors’ rivals during the later part of his career. Connors and Lendl had met a total of 35 times on the court where Lendl was the more successful in seeing off his compatriot 22-13.
Under Lendl, Murray would go on to win all three of his Grand Slam titles and also achieve the World No. 1 rank. It was under Lendl, Murray defended his Olympics singles Gold becoming the only tennis player to do so during his fabulous 2016 season where he finished as the Year-end No. 1 along with his 2016 ATP Finals title.
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Sarthak Shitole
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