by Sunil Bali, 14-07-13

Tellingly, 8-time Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl was the first person Andy Murray shared his Wimbledon victory with as he climbed into the player’s box.

Since becoming Murray’s coach, Lendl has transformed Murray from a player playing with fear; to a player everyone else fears facing.

As a player, Lendl was sometimes criticised for his seemingly stern demeanour on court. His response was, "If I don’t focus the way I can, then I won’t play the way I can."

Ever since Lendl has been in his corner, Murray’s mother Judy says that Lendl has "helped Andy control his emotions on court which has helped him to control his game and decision making. Andy now copes with pressure much better."

Winning is about fine margins. The sort of margins achieved by focussing on the moment, controlling what can be controlled and remaining detached from the outcome.

As the coaches of elite performers are fond of saying, "Pressure is for tyres."

Now Murray is likely to become a Knight, with more than a little help from his Czech mate.

Way to go boys.

Humour

  1. A big girl came up to me after a show and said, ‘I think you’re fatist.’ I said, ‘No, no. I think you’re fattest.’ – Jimmy Carr
  2. The easiest time to add insult to injury is when you’re signing somebody’s cast. – Demetri Martin
  3. During the festive season, we must not forget those who are less fortunate than ourselves. The poor, for example. They may attempt to burgle your house while you are at church. – Harry Enfield
  4. A government survey reveals the prime minister is doing the work of two men. Laurel and Hardy. – Ronnie Corbett
  5. Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m a schizophrenic, and so am I. – Billy Connolly
  6. Ronnie Corbett: "Do you think marriage is a lottery?" Ronnie Barker: "No. With a lottery you do have a slight chance." – The Two Ronnies
  7. I saw a clown doing sit-ups. Funny how things work out. – Russell Kane
  8. A hotel mini-bar allows you to see into the future and find out what a can of Pepsi will cost in 2030. – Rich Hall

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Sunil

www.sunilbali.com