Andy Murray makes decision on coaching return and opens up on worries

Andy Murray sat down for an interview with Clare Balding.

Andy Murray has ruled out an imminent return to coaching because he is loving being a full-time dad - and losing at chess with his five-year-old son. The former world No.1 returned to the grass for the first time since his Wimbledon farewell last summer for the official naming of the Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s Club. But the Scot, 38, is in no rush to get back to work after his first coaching role with Novak Djokovic ended last month. “I think I would do it again at some stage - I don’t think that will happen immediately,” Murray told the BBC in a sit-down interview with Clare Balding. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“I wasn’t planning on going into coaching as soon as I finished playing but it was obviously a pretty unique opportunity. It was a chance to learn from one of the best athletes of all time. The results weren’t as we wanted but I gave it a go. We will see about coaching in the future but I don’t think that is going to happen for a while.” Murray admitted he had been “worried” about retiring but stated: “It has been brilliant”. The father-of-four added: “Right now I am just at home with my family being a dad. Immediately, my main priority is to give my kids a good upbringing and to be around for them. Be with my wife and support her. “My five-year-old boy (Teddy) has got massively into chess which I am really enjoying playing with him. I am not a particularly good chess player but I have got quite an analytical mind and I enjoy the game and watching him learn and playing with him.

Andy Murray at his new Andy Murray Arena.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"It is difficult losing to a five-year-old when in the middle of the game, he is asking you to come and wipe his bum essentially. He is going to the toilet in the middle of the game and then he comes back and is beating me at chess. It is humbling for my intelligence.” Murray believes that tennis is in "a good place" despite the retirements of himself, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, having witnessed a historic French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. "They're both brilliant athletes and very different personalities, which I think for fans is really exciting," Murray added. "For me, particularly Alcaraz has an exciting brand of tennis to watch, and they complement each other well. They've already had some brilliant matches and from what I've been told, it was one of the best finals for a long time."

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Trending

Click here to read article