Andy Murray wise to hire Jonas Bjorkman, says Mark Petchey

Andy Murray will be making a wise move if he adds Jonas Bjorkman to his coaching team, says Mark Petchey.

The world No 5 will spend a trial period with the Swede as he considers a back-up option to Amelie Mauresmo, who is absent for spells during the Scot’s busy schedule.

Bjorkman reached No 4 in the world during a successful singles career but also excelled in the doubles format, where he reached No 1 in the world.

If Andy can get Jonas on board for the time he needs in between when Amelie is around, I think it will be fantastic for him.

Petchey believes Bjorkman’s prowess at the net will come in useful to Murray as he sharpens his skills for further matches against top duo Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

“Obviously at the moment it still looks like it will be for a test week and then hopefully it will be permanent,” he told Sky Sports.

“If Andy can get Jonas on board for the time he needs in between when Amelie is around, I think it will be fantastic for him.

“Clearly he was a massive success on the singles court, up to four in the world, and was a great champion on the doubles court as well.

“The way Roger has been playing, the way that Novak has been playing, I would assume that Andy will be targeting Jonas’ ability around the net and his ability to translate that to Andy – to help that part of the game.

“I definitely feel we are seeing a little bit of a shift. Although the game is predominantly played at the back of the court for the large part of this era, there is still a fair bit of success shown by certainly Roger last year, bringing on Stefan (Edberg), and I would say that Jonas’ net play was second to none.

“I definitely feel that is where Jonas could help Andy.” 

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