"Too fragile and too young": the revelation of the coach who turned down Andy Murray before his rise
Andy Murray, retired since summer 2024, was often the fourth threat on the tour when the Big 3 swept everything in their path. But through his dedication, the Briton still managed to win three Grand Slams, 14 Masters 1000 titles, and the world number one ranking in 2016.
In 2005, he contacts a renowned coach on the tour
It was in 2005 that Murray, 18 years old, revealed himself on the professional tour by reaching the third round at Wimbledon, among other achievements.
The Scot, who seemed destined for a bright future, then approached Larry Stefanki for the 2006 season. The former coach of John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, and Tim Henman declined Murray's proposal.
"He was too weak and too young"
Stefanki chose to coach Fernando Gonzalez from 2006 to 2008, before joining Andy Roddick's camp the following season. His protégé faced Murray in the Wimbledon semifinals, a match he would win 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6.
The American coach then explained why he had refused to coach Murray:
"He was too young, too fragile. And I didn't want to deal with everything that the position would have entailed. But I was certain he would become a top 10 player. At the time, he was a boy. Now, he's a man."
Murray, for his part, had opted for Brad Gilbert, before hiring Ivan Lendl in 2011.
