Who should coach Andy Murray? Here are five contenders...

By Tom Julian

Image: Andy Murray is on the hunt for a new coach

Andy Murray last week announced his split from coach Amelie Mauresmo after two years working together, so who will train the British No 1 next?

Murray, who beat world No 1 Novak Djokovic to win the Rome Masters on Sunday, won seven tournaments during his time with Mauresmo, but failed in his bid for another Grand Slam.

With an appointment not expected before the French Open on May 22, Sky Sports assesses the possible options.

Here are five that he could consider...

Andre Agassi

Image: Murray is consoled by Andre Agassi after losing the 2013 Australian Open final

The former world No 1 has the pedigree Murray is looking for in a new coach. Agassi won eight Grand Slams across all surfaces and is considered one of the best players of all time.

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Murray grew up in awe of Agassi and the American has spoken of a possible coaching role in the future.

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"Seeing the game through someone else's eyes and trying to figure out how to make them better, all that sounds like a very satisfying experience," he said in 2014.

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However, Agassi also has a young family and is committed to launching tennis academies in the US. Murray has spoken of the need for a full-time coach, present for 25-30 weeks of the tour, and these factors may cause the Scot to rule out Agassi.

John McEnroe

Image: Murray and John McEnroe play doubles in an exhibition match

McEnroe was linked with the job in 2014 before Mauresmo took the position. Another former world No 1, McEnroe has always been a big supporter of Murray.

Often compared because of their aggressive on-court styles, McEnroe would offer a different coaching mantra to the likes of Mauresmo and Ivan Lendl, which may appeal to Murray.

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McEnroe also found great success in doubles, winning 10 Grand Slams, in addition to the seven singles majors. Murray may want to utilise his expertise, developing his two-man game with brother Jamie for both the Davis Cup and the Olympics in Rio this summer.

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McEnroe would have to cut back on his current ventures, which include commentary, the Champions Tour and celebrity appearances.

It remains to be seen whether the lure of coaching would persuade the American to take on a new project.

Lindsay Davenport

Image: Lindsay Davenport was the 1999 Wimbledon winner

Murray has spoken before of the importance of a female influence in his coaching team. Davenport is another top former player, having won three Grand Slams and ranked No 1 in both singles and doubles during her career.

The American is available, having split with Madison Keys after her Australian Open performance. Keys progressed to the semi-finals in Melbourne, her best Grand Slam finish, and broke into the world top 20.

Davenport was hugely supportive of Murray following his hiring of Mauresmo and, if offered, the high-profile role might be one she can't turn down.

Leon Smith

Image: Leon Smith coaches Murray for the Davis Cup

The Davis Cup-winning captain has an excellent relationship with Murray, having paired up to lead Great Britain to winning the competition this year for the first time since 1936.

Another Scot, Smith knows the Murray family well and would be able to fit the tour schedule around his Davis Cup duties, which he has committed to for another three years.

It would be a fantastic opportunity for Smith, who coached Murray from age 11 to 15. However, the question of family may again be the issue. Smith has three children and time away may be a decisive factor. 

Ivan Lendl

Image: Ivan Lendl oversaw Murray's biggest successes

Murray's former coach gave him the most success of his career to date, winning two Grand Slams and Olympic gold during their three years together.

Lendl was integral to the development of Murray's forehand and second serve, as well as psychologically helping to channel his frustration and maintain concentration in difficult points.

The reason for their split back in 2014 was time commitments. Lendl had set up a tennis academy in South Carolina, whil also playing more on the veterans tour.

However, the academy has now closed and Lendl may wish to reconsider a head coaching role once more. The relationship and mutual respect is already there and both men are proven winners.

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