Andy Murray close to appoint Lendl replacement

The Wimbledon champion began his search in earnest early last month after the announcement in March that his hugely successful two-year partnership with Lendl had ended.

Many names have been linked with the post, ranging from high-profile figures like John McEnroe and Mats Wilander to well-respected coaches Bob Brett and Larry Stefanki.

Key for Murray will have been the amount of time the candidates were prepared to commit to the role, which was the insurmountable obstacle that caused Lendl to step away and which almost certainly rules out McEnroe.

Brett and Roger Rasheed have been considered by Murray in the past but the latter’s successful partnership with Grigor Dimitrov means he is not a contender this time.

Murray confirmed he has one name in mind and he has held talks with that person, although no deal has yet been offered or agreed.

The Scot, gearing up for the French Open, said: “There’s always a few complications but as long as the desire from both people is to work together then hopefully it can happen soon.”

It would be a surprise were Murray to name his coach during the tournament, with the announcement likely to come in time for the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club in two weeks’ time.

There is no immediate hurry given Murray has Dani Vallverdu, his long-time friend and a valued assistant to Lendl, alongside him, while he can also call on the expertise of Darren Cahill, who has helped him out between coaches before.

Murray said: “There are also people that I can speak to about things. I have met a lot of good people that I respect and listen to their opinions on the tennis tour. I’m not in a panic to get someone, but it’s a lot closer than it was.”

Murray will begin his French Open campaign with a first-round match against Andrey Golubev, the Russian-born Kazakh who is ranked No 55 in the world.