No Andy Murray coaching role for Loic Courteau

Andy Murray will not be teaming up with Loic Courteau just yet, but could in the future. Picture: Contributed

Courteau, who spent six years coaching Mauresmo, said in December he had spoken to his compatriot about taking up a role in Murray’s camp following the departure of assistant coach Dani Vallverdu.

However, the 51-year-old is set to continue working with France’s Julien Benneteau, who lost in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after his four-set defeat to Benjamin Becker in Melbourne, Benneteau said Courteau would not be linking up with Murray.

“Nice things are still ahead for us,” added the 33-year-old, who finished 2014 at a career-high 25th in the world and won the men’s doubles title in the French Open.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN

• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning

• You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google +

Speaking in December, Courteau had told L’Equipe: “A few weeks ago I had discussions with Amelie, who spoke with Andy.

“I had not been able to talk directly with him, as he was leaving the Philippines [after playing in the International Premier Tennis League].

“The plan was to work with him in the year, with a base in England.

“For the moment, it does not happen.

“I’m not saying it will not happen, because I do not know. But at the Australian Open, I will be with Julien.”

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS

• Download your free 30-day trial for our iPad, Android and Kindle apps

• Keep up to date with all aspects of Scottish life with The Scotsman iPhone app, completely free to download and use