OMNISPORT

John McEnroe believes his relationship with Andy Murray would have been short had the world number two opted for the American as his coach over Ivan Lendl.

After splitting with former coach Amelie Mauresmo, Murray was linked to a host of potential successors, with McEnroe one of the names reportedly in the frame.

In the end Murray opted for a reunion with Lendl – with whom he won the US Open and Wimbledon – and made a winning start as he retained his title at Queen's last weekend.

McEnroe, who has joined Milos Raonic's coaching team for the grass-court season, did not get a call from Murray, and he thinks that may be a good thing given they both have been known to have fiery tempers.

"I don't think I would be able to handle that [Murray's on-court outbursts] for too long," said the seven-time grand slam champion.

"It might be a very short relationship. I understand that he may think that's how he ticks, or whatever it is. Some of it is understandable, but other times it's like 'come on'.

"He [Murray] is much quieter and his energy levels are different from mine but that part [the temper] is very similar. It's probably the part that we're not the most proud of. I'm sure that if he could take some of it back, he would."

And McEnroe feels the return of Lendl could be a crucial factor in Murray curbing his outbursts.

He added: "From what I recall Andy didn't do that very much with Lendl. If at all, I don't remember him ever doing it, and then he had his best success."