Murray Discusses Lendl Effect

As Andy Murray prepares to embark on his seventh Australian Open campaign, the question on everyone’s lips is: ‘Will new coach Ivan Lendl be the difference for the Scot as he attempts to claim his first Grand Slam championship?’ Murray, though, insists that the benefits he will gain from his partnership with Lendl will be long term.

"I'm not going to get the benefits from having Ivan this week," said the Scot at his pre-tournament press conference on Saturday in Melbourne. "I'm going to see it in six months, 12 months’ time, when all the things we work on start falling into place. It's obviously good to have someone with his experience around the slams and these situations. But in terms of the actual improvements in my game, it's going to take a little bit longer than a week to make changes."

In terms of what they will work on together, Murray revealed, "He is a very hard worker. I like hard work as well. The last of couple of years especially my attention to detail has gotten much, much better. Obviously I was very young when he played. But he's obviously had a great attitude towards trying to improve. He tried many new things and he was always in great shape. He's definitely going to help with that side of things."

Murray has been denied in three major finals, two of those defeats coming at Melbourne Park to Roger Federer in the 2010 title match,and against Novak Djokovic last year. Far from being discouraged by those defeats, though, Murray continues to look forward and learn from each experience.

"I've obviously enjoyed playing here. I've had good results," said the Dunblane native. "I don't normally think too much about the past. Just always try and concentrate on what's in front of you, what you're trying to achieve this year."

Murray enjoyed a career-best season in 2011, following up his Australian Open runner-up showing with semi-final appearances at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, losing to Rafael Nadal in each one. The 24 year old said he had learnt the lessons from his defeat to Djokovic, and is ready to take his opportunity should he get a third chance in Melbourne.

"[I learnt] a few things. I need to play better mainly. Need to get physically stronger. Then the other things I'll keep to myself and talk with Ivan about, talk with the guys about, things that I need to improve in my game. If I get myself in that position this time around, I'll do things a bit differently."