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Murray learning from no-nonsense Lendl

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AFP London
Andy Murray admits the no-nonsense style that coach Ivan Lendl employed to great effect during his playing career can help steer him to a third Grand Slam title tomorrow.

The world number two tackles Canada's Milos Raonic, looking to add this year's All England Club crown to his 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon titles, both of which were won when Lendl was first working with the 29-year-old.

"I do think it helps. I do think in these situations it can make a difference," said Murray as he analysed the influence of Lendl who won eight majors in his own playing career although never triumphed at Wimbledon.
 

"I don't think he'd be doing this job if he didn't believe in me and believe that I could win these events, because he doesn't need to. That helps.

"The information I get from him, the psychological help that I get from having him around, being able to chat to him at these events, before the big matches, you know, makes a difference. That's why I think we've been a good team. I think we both trust each other."

Murray reunited with Lendl this summer after the two originally went their separate ways after two years together in 2014.

The British star has already been runner-up at the Australian and French Opens this year, losing on both occasions to world number one Novak Djokovic.

But the Serb was eliminated in the third round at Wimbledon while Roger Federer was defeated by Raonic in the semi-finals on Friday.

Now with Lendl back in his team, Murray appreciates that the Czech could prove to be the key difference on Sunday where he will start as favourite.

"I don't think it's a coincidence. I obviously had the best years of my career with him. I obviously wanted to work with Ivan again to try to help me win these events. That's the goal."

Murray won a fifth Queen's Club grass court title in the run-up to Wimbledon, a successful start to his second spell with Lendl.

"I do feel there's a benefit. Obviously, over the next few months I think, and at the end of the year when I get time to sort of train and work on things away from the court is when I'll start to really make bigger gains hopefully in my game.

"But, yeah, just having him around has been positive."

In an interesting sub-plot, Raonic, the first Canadian man to make a Grand Slam final, has John McEnroe in his coaching corner.

Lendl and McEnroe were fierce rivals in their playing days, meeting 36 times.

However, Murray played down the significance.

"I think it's more interesting for you guys than it is for the players because I'm playing against Milos, I'm not playing against John, and Milos isn't playing against Ivan.

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First Published: Jul 09 2016 | 10:42 AM IST

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