By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Andy Murray made several big off-court decisions including getting engaged to his long-time girlfriend and changing his coaching team.
Photo Credit: Julian Finney/Getty
Andy Murray made some big off-court decisions in the last few days that impact both his personal and professional life heading into next year.
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Murray and his long-time girlfriend, Kim Sears, are now engaged as verified by Murray's agent. BBC News confirmed the announcement that was first reported by the Mirror UK and several British journalists.
The belief is that Murray popped the question to the 26-year-old Sears last Wednesday. As of now, there is no official wedding date planned.
On the same day, Murray also announced a major change to his current coaching team.
Murray decided to part ways with long-time confidant Dani Vallverdu and fitness trainer Jez Green. Amelie Mauresmo, who Murray hired in June as his main coach, will stay on as the Scot prepares for the 2015 season.
"We sat down at the end of the season and decided that a change would be best for all of us," Murray said in a statement on his official website. "My off season training and Australian Open preparations have already begun and I am very excited for the new year. I thank Jez and Dani for all their hard work over the years and wish them the best for the future.”
Vallverdu, who became friends with Murray during their junior days at the Sanchez-Casal academy in Spain, had been a part of Murray's coaching team for five years. Green remained for over seven years. Both men were not happy with Murray's choice of Mauresmo as head coach when neither was consulted before Murray made his pick.
While Murray's decision to choose Mauresmo was the subject of much debate, the former Wimbledon and US Open champion finished the 2014 season strong by winning several titles and qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Murray is currently traveling to the Philippines where he will compete in the upcoming International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) event for the Manilla Mavericks.
Judy Murray, Murray's mother, summed up her thoughts on the day in this message on Twitter.