By: Robert Martin

Photo Credit: Andy Kentla

(December 31, 2011) It has been a while since World No. 4 Andy Murray could say that he had a fulltime dedicated coach, but that has changed with the start of the 2012 season. As the Scot continues to look for a maiden grand slam title, he will do it with eight-time champion Ivan Lendl in his corner.

Originally born in Czechoslovakia, Lendl was often criticized for being a boring, machine-like player. One thing that cannot be argued is the success that he had, compiling 94 singles titles and a 1071-239 career record that included a 44-match winning streak.

In 1984, Lendl settled in the United States, refusing to play Davis Cup for Czechoslovakia after that. This came after Lendl carried the team to its only Davis Cup title in 1980 with 10 wins in singles and doubles over the four ties.

In 1992, he became a US citizen, and was forced to retire in 1994 at the age of 34 due to extensive damage to his back. He made the last of his 142 finals in Sydney of his final year on tour, losing to Pete Sampras.

Murray announced his new coach via social media today, saying, “Very happy to announce that Ivan Lendl is my new full time coach. His impact on the game is unquestionable and he brings experience and knowledge that few others have, particularly in major tournaments. Happy New Year.”

The coaching decision could be a great move for Murray, who shares the same underappreciated court coverage and anticipation as his new mentor. While Lendl was primarily a pure baseline player, Murray possesses more versatility, but would do well to pick up on the killer instinct that made Lendl successful.

Murray will start the new season in Brisbane, where he is playing singles in addition to partnering with Marcos Baghdatis in doubles.