By Erik Gudris | Friday, April 11, 2014
Former No. 1 Ilie Nastase thinks Andy Murray should not even look for a new coach after his recent partnership with Ivan Lendl ended.
Photo Credit: Corleve
Don't expect Ilie Nastase to join the ranks of former famous players who are now coaching today's top pros.
Speaking ahead of last week's Laureus Sports Awards, Nastase told Gulf News he has no interest in signing up to coach a current player. The outspoken and flamboyant Nastase of Romania reached No. 1 in the world back in the early 1970's. Nastase won the US Open in 1972 and the French Open in 1973 as part of his 58 career tour titles.
With Andy Murray now on the hunt for a new coach after his two-year partnership with Ivan Lendl ended in March, speculation continues as to who that might be. Nastase made it clear he was not interested and doesn't see the point in Murray being coached by anyone.
"I don’t think these guys need a coach," Nastase said. "They need a good friend maybe. Or a good-looking girl, I don’t know. I don’t think they (former stars) can help much. What can they do? He (Murray) knows how to play the game. I think he just needs someone to trust him and practice with him. Not necessarily a big guy or name, I don’t believe in that."
Along with the recent Lendl and Murray pairing, several other well-known retired players have returned as coaches. Stefan Edberg is now working with Roger Federer while Michael Chang assists as a coaching consultant to Kei Nishikori.
Novak Djokovic hired Boris Becker to be his main coach starting at the beginning of the year. That partnership continues to perplex many including Nastase despite Djokovic recently winning titles in Indian Wells and Miami.
“Djokovic did well without Boris Becker. Maybe he’s using him to boost his image, I don’t know," Nastase said.
Murray himself said he will begin the process of seeking out his new coach in the next few weeks.