Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Judy Murray Considers Fed Cup Role


Judy Murray is in talks with the Lawn Tennis Association over becoming Great Britain's new Fed Cup captain.

The former national coach of Scotland, the mother of British number one Andy and doubles specialist Jamie, has worked with the LTA on recent projects.

Britain's Fed Cup post has been vacant since June, when Nigel Sears resigned as captain and head of women's tennis at the LTA to coach Ana Ivanovic.

Leon Smith took over responsibility for the women's game in October.

Smith is also head of men's tennis and Davis Cup captain, so he is looking to appoint a Fed Cup coach as soon as possible.

No decision has been made but discussions continue with Judy over a role that would include working with young players.

Smith has known the Murray family for many years having taken over from Judy as Andy's coach when the now world number four was 11-years-old.

Britain's women are not in Fed Cup action until the first week of February.

Like the Davis Cup team, they are in Europe/Africa Zone Group I, and, with Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong, Heather Watson and Laura Robson all making significant progress during 2011, hopes are high they could soon reach the World Group.

However, the regional group takes the form of a round-robin competition - being held in Eilat, Israel, in 2012 - with only two of the 15 teams achieving promotion, and there is some stiff competition.

Judy's recent work with the LTA has centred around grassroots participation and improving facilities, an area she is passionate about, while she also remains a valued member of Andy's team, particularly for her analysis of unfamiliar opponents.