Paul Annacone relaxed over a Roger Federer v Andy Murray final

Federer revealed on Saturday he had appointed Annacone as his coach on a permanent basis after a successful trial period, even though Annacone is still working out the remainder of his contract as men's head coach at the Lawn Tennis Association.

It means Annacone could be sitting in Federer's box at Flushing Meadows on 12 September, cheering on the Swiss as he attempted to prevent Murray becoming the first British male to win a Grand Slam title since 1936. "I understand the perception of it," admitted Annacone, Pete Sampras and Tim Henman's ex-coach. "Sure it looks like a conflict of interest, but if you look at what my agreement says, it isn't. Every situation has pros and cons and that's a tough one."

Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, himself a former coach of Murray, added: "During qualifying week here it was an LTA-paid week and these two weeks are Roger Federer-paid weeks. Even if we had finished everything (with Paul) he's still going to have the advice to give Federer against Andy in the final, it makes no difference whether he's working for us or not. I don't see a problem with it at all."

Asked if he broached the subject of his job with Federer with Murray, Annacone added: "I didn't because I think it was out there pretty quickly. Andy has always been a friend and always will be. I'm a big fan and since I stopped my role with the Davis Cup team I've had no involvement with Andy other than being friends and I support him and enjoy spending time with him. I got to know him very well when I coached Tim (Henman). He's a great kid and a great talent and he's going to do great things. I will always pull for him."