Paris: Amelie Mauresmo ended her coaching relationship with Andy Murray because she felt she could not improve the world number two any further, the former world number one said on Saturday.
The Frenchwoman and Murray announced the end of an almost two-year partnership this month, but Mauresmo said the decision had been made some time ago.
“Andy is complex. On court, he can be opposite of what he is in life. It can be confusing. I was here to help. I had the feeling I could not take things further anymore,” Mauresmo told L’Equipe Magazine.
“I had the feeling that we were at the end of what we could do professionally. We came to the conclusion that it would be complicated to continue.”
With Mauresmo, Briton Murray won seven ATP titles, claiming his first two trophies on clay in Madrid and Munich.
“It was a beautiful adventure. A woman coaching a man, it breaks a few barriers in the world of men’s tennis,” she said.
“I liked the way Andy works, I liked to work with his team. He’s very curious, always in research. That’s what makes great champions.”
Top-seeded Novak Djokovic meanwhile reckoned Roger Federer’s withdrawal from Roland Garros with ailing back was “definitely” a loss, while Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams echoed the sentiment on Friday.
The 34-year-old Swiss, initially seeded the third at this year’s French Open, announced on Thursday through his Facebook account his decision to pull out, admitting his fitness is “still not 100 per cent”.
“It’s definitely a loss for the tournament,” commented Djokovic on Friday after the French Open main draw took place.
“We’re not used to seeing Roger skipping Grand Slams, seeing that he hasn’t missed one for 60-plus times.
“Obviously the nature of his injury is not light and it kept him off this tournament that I’m sure that if there was any chance he could play he would participate.
“But, you know, even without him the tournament is going to be played and I’m sure it’s going to be an exciting one,” added the Serbian.
Nine-times champion Nadal, who has been promoted to fourth seed in Federer’s absence, told media that the former world No 1’s withdrawal was a blow to tennis fans.
“I think for me it’s not changing much, but I understand that for the fans, for the tournament, for the world of tennis in general, it is a very negative news,” said the fifth-ranked Spaniard.
Women’s singles defending champion Serena Williams said it would be strange not to see Federer in Paris, but understood his worries.
“I think he plays most slams, so definitely – 65 in a row? That’s a lot. Whoo, cha! I don’t know. I think it’s just pretty awesome, but it means he cares about his future and the Olympics this year and Wimbledon and US Open,” said the 21-times major winner.
