Murray’s unique assets are invaluable to LTA

Judy Murray’s unique perspective as coach and parent at the highest level in tennis makes her a very valuable asset to the Lawn Tennis Association, according to head of men’s and women’s tennis, Leon Smith.

Earlier this month Murray, the mother of world No 4 Andy and doubles specialist Jamie, was appointed as Fed Cup captain, with a wider role working with Britain’s leading junior girls and mentoring female coaches.

Murray and Smith first worked together more than a decade ago when she was national coach for Scotland and he was an up-and-coming young coach and a major figure in the fledgling career of Andy Murray.

Smith said: “I know Judy particularly well. She was my mentor for many years, so I’ve lived and breathed her coaching style. I’m really excited about this appointment because she will bring a lot of energy, experience, passion and expertise.

“She can actually go from the start of the journey, with very young girls and their coaches and parents all the way through to the Fed Cup team, so it’s a real pathway that Judy can help with.

“Judy’s in a unique situation, and it’s one that I’m delighted we can really tap into. We’ve been using Judy for quite a while for advice and support, but in this role she can have a lot more contact time with coaches, parents and players.”

Murray will see some of the top British players in action in Auckland at the start of the new season and then travel on to Australia before heading home to prepare for her first Fed Cup assignment in Israel at the start of February.

In Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong, Heather Watson and Laura Robson, Britain has one of its strongest Fed Cup teams for a long time, although with 15 teams going for the two promotion spots from Europe/Africa Group I, advancing to World Group II will be far from easy.

Murray said of the women’s game in Britain: “I think it’s in good shape. Last year Elena finished close to the top 50. That was her best-ever year. Same with Anne Keothavong. Both are 28, so coming more towards the end of their careers but playing some of their best tennis, which is very exciting.

“Having the teenagers Heather Watson and Laura Robson, it’s impossible to say just how far they can go, but I think both will get into the top 50 and have the potential to go beyond that.”

Murray is returning to her coaching roots after devoting a lot of time to the battle to make tennis more accessible, a cause she remains passionate about.

“We need to invest a lot in growing the game to get more people playing,” she said. “The more people playing at the base of our pyramid, the more chance we have of getting more players through. That’s very, very important. I won’t have as much time, but I’m very committed to help make that happen.”