Although tennis great Andy Murray has called it a career as a competitor on the ATP Tour, his expertise and experience would prove invaluable as a coach, according to Scottish player Jacob Fearnley.
Murray retired following the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, teaming with compatriot Dan Evans. The British duo would capture hearts during their first two matches as they saved numerous match points in the process, but eventually fall to the American pairing of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.
A collegiate tennis player at Texas Christian University (TCU) in the United States until May, Fearnley would qualify for a Challenger tournament in Nottingham a few weeks later, ranked World No.525. The Edinburg native would go on to win the tournament, earning himself a Wimbledon wild card, where he reached the second round and took a set off former World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
Although he is yet to meet Murray in person, Fearnley stated he appreciated everything the Scot has done for British tennis and would be open to working with him should Murray decide to return to tennis in a coaching capacity.
"I really want to meet him," said Fearnley. "Growing up he was a big inspiration and he was the figure who I watched the most. What he has achieved for himself and his country has been amazing, the way he fights on the court and the way he plays has been special to watch.
"Any tennis player growing up in the UK, and especially Scotland, he is someone we all aspire to be. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps but I know it is a very hard task.
"Right now I'm very happy with the coaching I have. But, if he wants to give me advice and help me in any way, I would definitely not say no."