Andy Murray coach Jonny O’Mara believes the two-time Wimbledon winner is playing well enough to still be big in the game.
The 36-year-old’s decline was evident after his five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, which left him wondering if he still had the motivation to continue in the sport.
It’s not the first time Murray has said something along these lines after a painful loss, and O’Mara believes he’s playing more than well enough to make it big in the game.
His level of commitment is incredible. Every day he does whatever it takes to maximize his level of performance and what his body can do. That’s the most impressive thing for me, and so is his love for the game.
“Only he knows what he’s thinking and whether that was immediate or if that’s how he feels, that’s entirely up to him,” O’Mara said.
“I think he’s going to need a few days to think about whether he’s going to stick with it or find the motivation to keep going. He’s definitely showing a level where he can excel and he is on top.”
“If there was anyone else in the top 40 in the world, probably no one would question the fact that he’s still playing. Who knows what he’ll do but I don’t think there will be a lot of people at the top.” 40 thinking about retiring.
“I had a few messages with him. Nothing crazy because it was a tough game and obviously he’s going to be a little hurt as a result. We just talked about the present and I’m sure we’ll talk about what’s going to happen in a few days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
O’Mara’s presence in Murray’s side is another indication that the Scot is not close to giving up the bat.
The doubles specialist from Arbroath joined his friend backstage ahead of the swing on the grass pitch with the aim of being a unified voice.
Neither of Murray’s head coaches, Ivan Lendl and Mark Hilton, are able to travel full-time, and O’Mara is leaving his own playing career behind to fill the role.
He made what might be his last appearance in men’s doubles at Wimbledon alongside Liam Broady, with the pair losing in the first round.
“It’s a great opportunity to work with Andy, Lendl and Hilts and see what it’s like at the highest level,” said the 28-year-old.
“Coming from Scotland and growing up with Andy and seeing what he has achieved, of course it’s a difficult opportunity to say no. I have enjoyed working with him over the past few weeks.”
“Obviously it’s such a shame that he lost the other day because I really thought there was a chance he could do something big this year. He worked hard and played great in training.”
The 36-year-old’s destruction was clearly visible after his five-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas
Despite the agonizing ending, O’Mara enjoyed being in the inner circle of Murray’s recent thrilling Wimbledon game, saying: “I wouldn’t say it’s more stressful because when I’m on the pitch I rely on my skills, Wenn When I’m in the box I rely on Andy’s ability, and I much prefer to rely on Andy’s ability.
“To sit in the penalty area and try to do our utmost to help him get across the line and get the performance he can. It’s fun and it’s just a shame that it didn’t go the way he wanted it to.”
“Tsitsipas played great, his forehand was incredible. If things had gone a little differently, 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’Mara is a fan of Murray’s passion and dedication to the game
O’Mara has gone from Murray fan to friend to coach and he couldn’t be more impressed with his compatriot’s approach to his career.
“His level of commitment alone is incredible,” he said. “Every day he does everything he can to maximize his level and maximize what his body can do. That’s what impresses me the most, as well as his love for the game.”
“People don’t quite see how much he loves the game, how much he wants to improve and how motivated he is to do it. It was an absolute privilege to see him up close.”
