Another Ivan interview!Doesn't say too much different to what he's already been saying,but I loved the line about him smiling inside during matches,and the way he talked about now having an understanding of what makes Andy tick made me excited for next year!
Ivan Lendl confident of guiding Andy Murray to more success next year
Ivan Lendl has told Metro of his bold plans to get Andy Murray in shape to win all four grand slams next year.
Murray enjoyed a breakthrough year working with former world No.1 Lendl, reaching the Wimbledon final before winning Olympic gold and then breaking his grand-slam duck to land the US Open.
Now Lendl wants more of the same next year and even expects the Scot to challenge at the French Open, where Murray has reached the semi-final only once, in 2011.
Did you expect Andy to make such rapid strides under your tutelage this year?
‘Yes but I told Andy when I first met him it would take time. I said it could take from six to nine months before the improvements started to take effect and he excelled at the US Open.'
'He had delivered at the Olympics and played extremely well against Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final, so I knew things were going in the direction we wanted.’
What persuaded you to work with him?
‘We met and also chatted on the phone, and I was impressed how much he wanted to learn, how much he wanted to improve and how much he wanted to win.’
What has been the biggest improvement in your relationship with Andy?
‘I now have more of an understanding about what makes him tick and we can build successfully on that. There is a lot to look forward to next year.’
He loves the Australian Open, reaching the final in 2010 and 2011, so you must be expecting a rapid start to the season.
‘All the other players will be targeting the Australian Open, wanting to make a bold start to the new year, so it is vital Andy has a healthy, fundamentally strong base to build on.’
The French Open is not one of his favourite events, given it is played on his least favourite surface. What are his chances like at Roland Garros?
‘No one has won the French Open without having enjoyed a good clay-court season. But if he works on aspects of his game I want him to improve, then he can do it.’
Andy has already proved he is the one to beat in New York but winning Wimbledon must be his main priority?
‘I am way too old to worry about what people think but Wimbledon is very prestigious. Players always want to win their home grand slam but he can only prepare and give it his best.’
You have a reputation for being very cold when you are watching from the sidelines, even when things are going well.
‘People don’t know what I am thinking. I’m smiling inside.’
Are you looking forward to playing in next month’s Statoil Masters at the Royal Albert Hall?
‘Yes, I will meet up with a lot of friends, it is a great event.’
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/918646-ivan-lendl-confident-of-guiding-andy-murray-to-more-success-next-year