A fit Andy Murray could still be competitive against the best players and tennis fans should consider themselves lucky to see the winner of three Grand Slam titles in action, The former coach of the British tennis player, Daniel Vallverdú, told Reuters.
The Venezuelan coach currently coaches three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka, who defeated former No. 1 Andy Murray 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of Roland Garros this season.
It was Murray's worst loss in a Grand Slam on his return to the tracks at Roland Garros after a three-year absence. in which he underwent two major operations on the hip.
The hard defeat caused seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander suggest that Murray should consider whether he has the right to accept invitations for the Grand Slam instead of giving the opportunity to young tennis players.
“It is surprising what he is doing and how he has come back after that kind of injury he has had”Vallverdú commented in a telephone conversation from Monaco. “We are all very lucky to have him around And not just in the dressing room, but to watch him compete. “
Vallverdú was part of Murray's team between 2010 and 2014, when the Scotsman won the US Open and Wimbledon and also reached the gold medal in the singles table of the 2012 London Olympics, his home.
“He stays in shape, and I'd say he doesn't feel pain. Painless and in good physical shape, I wouldn't be surprised if Andy achieved great results next year. It's hard to say what will happen, but I think if you keep your body well, I think you will be competitive against the best and in the big tournaments. I would never rule it out “, Vallverdú confessed.
Vallverdu was 24 years old when he started working with Murray, a year younger than him, and has also coached other great tennis players such as Tomas Berdych, Grigor Dimitrov and former WTA number 1 Karolina Ploskova.
Vallverdú feels that the basis of a relationship between a coach and a player is professionalism and mutual respect. “Obviously having a good relationship helps, but the basis of this is to make sure that, as a coach, I am getting the best out of the player and helping him maximize his potential, “says Vallverdú.