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Last Updated: Friday, 21 April 2006, 07:50 GMT 08:50 UK
Murray ponders Bollettieri offer
Andy Murray grimaces after losing a point at the Monte Carlo Masters
British number one Murray is currently ranked 45th in the world
Veteran tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has offered a "guiding hand" to British number one Andy Murray as he steps up his search for a new coach.

The 74-year-old American played a key role in the careers of Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova.

"I've spoken with Andy's mum, Judy Murray, in the past couple of days and Andy knows my offer is on the table," Bollettieri told The Independent.

"They have a lot of options and will take time to make the right decision."

Murray, 18, split from coach Mark Petchey last week after only 10 months together, citing a "difference of opinion".

Andy's got that radical streak I saw in a young Agassi
Nick Bolletttieri
Bollettieri is not keen on a day-to-day role on the tour, but feels he could become part of Murray's support team.

"There can be a role for an older guiding hand to offer advice, perspective, sometimes one-on-one intensive sessions ahead of big events - it's the job I think I could do for Andy," he added.

Murray's mother Judy is a coach herself in Scottish tennis and is familiar with Bollettieri's famed academy in Florida.

One of her former charges, 16-year-old Graeme Dyce from Edinburgh, is currently a student there.

Bollettieri outlined Murray's "natural talent" and "attitude" as reasons why he would like to work with the teenage Scot.

"I've likened him before to Jim Courier, the ultimate workhorse, because I see his determination to give his all," he added.

"And he's got that radical streak I saw in a young Agassi when I was his coach. He knows his mind and he's not afraid to voice it.

"Andy has the potential, with hard work and the right guidance and the proper dedication, to win major tournaments."




WATCH AND LISTEN
Interview: Veteran tennis coach Nick Bollettieri



SEE ALSO
Britain's Becker?
08 Apr 06 |  Tennis


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