Men's tennis player ANDY MURRAY has taken a decision "that is both courageous and stunning" to appoint 2006 Wimbledon champion AMELIE MAURESMO "initially for the grass court season," according to Neil Harman of the LONDON TIMES. She will "oversee his preparations to defend his own Wimbledon title which starts at the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club this week." It "is safe to say" that in Paris, the "sense of disbelief was overwhelming." The decision "was not entirely a bolt from the blue" because Mauresmo "had been suggested as a possible contender from the moment she watched the entirety of Murray’s first-round match at Roland Garros" against ANDREY GOLUBEV. Mauresmo is in London with Murray "as he seeks to defend his Queen’s title." Though the wording of the official statement said that the partnership was for the grass-court season “initially,” there is "every reason to think it could remain intact for the rest of Murray’s career." Murray said, "I’m excited by the possibilities of the new partnership and Amelie is someone I have always looked up to and admired." The rest of Team Murray "will stay in place," with DANI VALLVERDU as the assistant coach and chief confidant. Murray "is convinced that Mauresmo will have no problems working with a close-knit team that has served the French Open semi-finalist admirably over the years" (LONDON TIMES, 6/8).
