Murray Dumps Coach Petchey

Andy Murray has fired his coach Mark Petchey, the man who guided the Scottish 18 year old into the Top 50 on the ATP Rankings and to the No. 1 British ranking ahead of Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.

"Mark has been a big part of my success in the last 10 months and we had a great run together," Murray said in a statement. "But we have had a difference of opinion regarding some aspects of my game. It was a very difficult decision and based solely on the development of my tennis."

Petchey quit his job last summer as head of men's national training at the British Lawn Tennis Association to coach Murray full-time.

Murray rocketed to prominence in February at San Jose, defeating Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt en route to his first title, but since then has reached one quarterfinal in four events.

"I've not thought about my next coach and will take time to find one who can help develop the next stages of my tennis," said Murray, intoning that Petchey has taken him as far as he could. "We are not in a hurry. It has barely been a full year that I have been on the professional tour, and I am continuously learning new things."

One thing Murray had learned of late was how to use the f-word and c-word live on television in a doubles loss in Davis Cup earlier this month.

The outgoing and passionate Petchey seemed a perfect fit for Murray, who continues to express his own rebellious streak. Petchey had nothing but kind words for his former charge.

"I am very proud of what we have achieved together," Petchey said. "Getting Andy into the Top 50 and winning his first ATP title at the age of 18. I have no doubt that Andy will make the Top 10 and be a Grand Slam winner in the future and wish him every success."