Wimbledon: Jonny O’Mara feels Andy Murray can compete with the very best at the top of the men’s game | Tennis News

Andy Murray’s coach Johnny O’Meara believes the two-time Wimbledon champion is still playing well enough to achieve major achievements in the sport.

The 36-year-old’s frustration was evident after his five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, after which he questioned whether he still had the motivation to continue playing.

It is not the first time that Murray has spoken to this effect following a painful defeat and O’Meara believes he is still playing well enough to achieve great things in the game.

O’Mara said, “Only he knows what he’s thinking and whether it was immediate or how he’s feeling is entirely up to him.”

“I think he’s going to take a few days to consider whether he’s going to stick with it or find the motivation to move on. He’s definitely showing a level that he can top, and he is on top.

“If there was someone else who would be in the top 40 in the world, probably nobody would question the fact that they are still playing. Who knows what he’s going to do, but I don’t think inside the top Many people must be 40 thinking of retiring.

“I’ve sent him a few messages. Nothing crazy about it because it was a tough match and obviously he’s going to be a bit hurt by that. We were just talking about the present and I’m sure we’ll talk. ” About what’s happening in a few days.”

O’Mara’s presence in Murray’s team is another sign that the Scot is still nowhere near finishing his racket.

Arbroath aimed to become a consistent voice as the doubles specialist joined his friend’s behind-the-scenes set-up ahead of the grass-court swing.

Neither of Murray’s head coaches, Ivan Lendl and Mark Hilton, can travel full-time, and O’Meara is putting his playing career on hold to take on the role.

He made his final appearance in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon with Liam Brodie, in which the pair lost in the first round.

“It’s a good opportunity to work with Andy, to work with Lendl, to work with Hilts, to see what happens at the top level,” the 28-year-old said.

“Obviously being from Scotland, having grown up watching Andy and seeing what he has achieved, it is a difficult opportunity to say no. I have enjoyed working with him over the past few weeks.

“What happened with him losing that day is definitely a great shame because I really thought he had a chance to do something big this year. He’s been working hard, he’s been playing great in practice.” “

Despite the sad result, O’Mara enjoyed being in the inner circle for Murray’s latest thrilling Wimbledon tie, saying: “I wouldn’t say it’s more stressful because, when I’m on the court, I have to keep my Gotta rely on skill, I rely on Andy’s skill when I’m in the box, and I prefer to rely on Andy’s skill.

“To sit in the box and try and do what we can to help him and get over the line and perform the way he can, it’s enjoyable and it’s just a shame that It didn’t happen according to him.

“Tsitsipas played very well, his forehand was incredible. If things had been a little different, maybe there would have been electronic line-calling or the scheduling would have allowed him to finish on the same day, who knows, he might still be in the tournament.” “

O’Meara has become Murray’s fan-turned-friend and coach and he couldn’t be more impressed with his compatriot’s approach to his career.

“Their level of dedication is unbelievable,” he added. “Every day he’s doing everything he can to maximize his level, to maximize his body. That’s the most impressive thing for me, and so is his love for the game.

“It’s something that people don’t see at all, how much he loves the game, how much he wants to improve, how much drive he has for it. It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him up close.”