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1/16/12 5:03 AM | Johan Lindahl
Ivan Lendl says he turned down up to ten chances to coach over the recent years before finally accepting an offer from Andy Murray. The pair are testing their collaboration at the Australian Open.
"I've had between seven and 10 inquiries over the last 18 months, some more serious than others, but none was considered by me," Lendl, 51, told the British press. "I see a guy who wants to win, a guy who wants to work hard. Obviously, I see the parallels between Andy's career and my career and I want his career to end up like mine."
Lendl, winner of eight Grand Slam titles before retiring in 1994, got off to the same rocky start in his big-match run as Murray is experiencing. The Czech who became an American lost his firs Grand Slam finals before finally going on a winning streak.
Murray is struggling to break his own slump after losing three title bids, the US Open in 2008 against Roger Federer and the last two Australian Open finals.
"We've been through similar things, he likes to work hard, I like to work hard," Lendl said. "I also admire his guts for hiring me because he had to know it would create a lot of interest.
"It would have been very easy just to hire someone, just another coach, and not get a high-profile person."
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