Ivan Lendl has turned to Tony Roche, the man who guided him to eight Grand Slam titles, as he tries to help Andy Murray win Wimbledon again.
Murray was facing Tomas Berdych in the semi-finals today and is on course to repeat his 2013 triumph that followed the 2012 US Open victory — all achieved under Lendl before they split two years ago.
Now, they are back together and Lendl is tapping into the vast knowledge of Roche, 71, who still has a major influence in the game.
He coached Lleyton Hewitt and Australia’s Davis Cup captain revealed: “Rochey is one of the great guys and taught Ivan Lendl what he knows as well.
“Tony and Ivan had a fantastic partnership for so many years and I know Ivan still speaks to Rochey back in Australia. I am sure that helps him with his coaching situation with Andy Murray.”
Hewitt believes Murray will learn to hold onto his emotions much better under Lendl and not waste energy with unnecessary outbursts.
“I expected it to be back to the way it was because Ivan would not put up with it,” added the former Wimbledon champion. “Ivan is a fantastic coach and his knowledge is as good as anyone out there and I was very impressed with how aggressive Andy was in 2013.
“You could see it in his eyes at the time and that belief came from Lendl and what he has to say. That may only be a couple of things and having him there is a really positive presence for Andy. It is only a couple of per cent that he needs and Ivan is maybe the person to bring that back for him.
“Rochey helped me so much and for me to take that next step as coach/mentor, I am always on the line to him trying to find ways to deal with different situations.”
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