MX23RW : Saturday, January 19 13:57:10

Jamie Murray accuses LTA of undervaluing doubles and coach Louis Cayer

Jamie Murray accuses LTA of undervaluing doubles and coach Louis Cayer
© Reuters
Murray feels Cayer's expertise is not being put to the best use.

Jamie Murray has accused the Lawn Tennis Association of undervaluing doubles and especially coach Louis Cayer.

The Canadian has been working with Murray for much of the last decade after Judy Murray spotted him giving a coaching session in Monte-Carlo and recruited him for her son and the LTA.

Cayer works in coach development for the LTA, is part of Leon Smith's Davis Cup backroom staff and will head up the new national academy in Loughborough when it opens later this year alongside Nick Cavaday.

But Murray feels he is seen as a doubles specialist within the LTA and should be performance director. That role is currently held by Simon Timson, who was recruited from UK Sport in 2016.

"He should be doing that job," said the Scot. "As a bare minimum. At least that or he could be in charge of coach education.

"He's been working at the LTA for like 10 years. It's been great for me because he's pretty much been working with me one on one. He's obviously been doing some other stuff but that's not getting the best out of him.

Judy Murray, left centre, and Louis Cayer celebrate
Judy Murray, left centre, and Louis Cayer celebrate (Nigel French/PA)

"For the greater good, he could be doing a lot more and having a lot more influence and effect on British tennis if he was in the right position and being listened to."

Cayer is regarded as one of the preeminent tennis coaches in the world and Murray believes his influence can be seen in the fact Britain currently has seven players in the top 60 in the men's doubles rankings, more than any other country.

Murray and his Brazilian partner Bruno Soares were given a major battle by two of them, Jonny O'Mara and Luke Bambridge, in the second round of the Australian Open before coming through 3-6 6-2 7-5.

Six of the pairs to reach the second round featured at least one British player, although so far Murray is the only one to make it further.

Comparing it to singles, where Johanna Konta, Katie Boulter and Dan Evans all lost in round two, he said: "You've got three people in the second round but we've got I think six different doubles teams in the second round and I think that's important.

"I think they should celebrate more the success of the doubles because that's the thing they've clearly got to be most proud about. (We've got) the most in terms of numbers. But that wouldn't be talked about unless I said something."

Jamie Murray, right, and Bruno Soares are through to round three of the Australian Open
Jamie Murray, right, and Bruno Soares are through to round three of the Australian Open (Adam Davy/PA)

Soares has also benefited from Cayer's wisdom, and said: "He's by far the best coach I've worked with. His tennis knowledge is insane. Every guy that he works with, they improve, no matter what. It's a treat to work with him."

Murray's tournament began with a rare court-side appearance for what could turn out to be his brother Andy's final professional match against Roberto Bautista Agut.

"I don't really like it," he said. "But he asked me if I was going to watch. It's draining. I knew it's a big match for him. No one knows what is happening going forward. I was glad I was there."

Murray does not believe it has affected his own tournament, though, saying: "It has been fine. I was away all last week in Sydney when most of the stuff was announced."

Murray and Soares will face Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Croatian Nikola Mektic in the third round, while the Scot is also looking to win a second consecutive mixed doubles title with Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

The LTA has been approached for comment by Press Association Sport.


Click here for more stories about Jamie Murray

Share this article now:

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Australian Open Third Round
Result
Osaka
Hsieh
5 6 6
7 4 1
Result
Zhang
Svitolina
6 4 5
4 6 7
Result
Goffin
Medvedev
2 63 3
6 7  6
Result
Sousa
Nishikori
66 1 2
7  6 6
Result
Wang
Sevastova
3 3
6 6
Result
Yastremska
Williams
2 1
6 6
Result
Djokovic
Shapovalov
6 6 4 6
3 4 6 0
Result
Fognini
Carreno Busta
2 4 6 4
6 6 2 6
Result
Herbert
Raonic
4 4 66
6 6 7 
Result
Mertens
Keys
3 2
6 6
Result
Coric
Krajinovic
2 6 6 6
6 3 4 3
Result
Zverev
Bolt
6 6 6
3 3 2
Result
Bacsinszky
Muguruza
65 2
7  6
Result
Halep
Williams
6 6
2 3
Result
Pouille
Popyrin
7  6 610 4 6
63 3 7  6 3
Result
Giorgi
Pliskova
4 6 2
6 3 6

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account