Ivan Lendl played down Andy Murray’s chances of sealing back-to-back Grand Slams at the Australian Open, warning it was “very, very difficult to succeed” in a highly competitive era.
Lendl has coached Murray to Olympic gold and the US Open title, ending Britain’s 76-year wait for a men’s Grand Slam singles win, but he said it would be tough in January with the world’s top four all ex-pected to be in action.
The Czech-American great was speaking by teleconference at an announcement in Hong Kong that he will play John McEnroe, and China’s Li Na will face Danish star Caroline Wozniacki, at an exhibition event in March.
“Tennis is a very difficult sport to win these days with the likes of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal and Andy in that group – it’s very, very difficult to succeed,” Lendl said, when asked about Murray’s chances in Melbourne.
With Murray’s win in September, the year’s Grand Slams were shared among the top four players. But Lendl, whose rivalry with McEnroe was legendary, was cautious about whether the current era was the greatest seen in men’s tennis.
“I think you can look at many eras in the game and say there have been many good players at the same time,” he said.
“You can look at the early 80s with Connors, McEnroe, Bjorg and myself, and compare it to the 60s and early 70s with all the Australians there.
“I don’t think you should be comparing one era to the other because it’s just not comparable.”
Lendl, a former world number one and winner of eight Grand Slam titles, will soon mark a year of collaboration with world number three Murray, his first coaching position.
But he refused to be drawn on their targets for next season.
“I am not going to go there... I never get into the details of his game with anyone because it not necessary for anyone other than Andy to know,” Lendl said.
“The best way to go about it is one game at a time.”
However, he said the key to motivating Murray was setting and achieving high goals.
“Andy needs to motivate himself like every other player. He needs to set goals and then try to achieve those goals. They need to be high but realistic and once you achieve those goals, then that’s your motivation,” said Lendl.
He added: “I think having a good relationship, enjoying each other’s company while working together makes it easier because the work is very hard for Andy.
“If it’s fun, it’s easier to do.”