Petchey to coach Murray full-time

Feature: Living up to the hype

Mark Petchey has confirmed he is to coach British tennis prospect Andy Murray on a full-time basis.

Petchey has resigned his post as head of men's national training at the Lawn Tennis Association.

He has been coaching Murray, 18, during the summer grass-court season at Queen's Club and Wimbledon.

Murray, who left his previous coach in May, reached the third round at SW19 where he lost in five sets to former runner-up David Nalbandian.

Murray parted company from 69-year-old Spaniard Pato Alvarez last month and the Scot is willing to leave the Sanchez-Casal academy in Barcelona if it does not allow Petchey to work there.

We have full confidence in Mark and believe he is the best person to guide Andy LTA performance director David Felgate

"I'm so pleased to have Mark as my coach, I respect him a great deal," Murray said.

"He has helped me massively over the last few weeks and I am excited to work with him moving forward.

"The LTA have been very supportive of the plan we have put together and I appreciate their confidence and support."

LTA national performance director David Felgate and British Davis Cup captain Jeremy Bates also applauded the news.

Felgate said: "To perform as Andy has under the glare of publicity shows his determination and potential.

"We have full confidence in Mark and believe he is the best person to guide Andy through the professional tour."

Bates said: "This should be a productive collaboration for all of those involved."