Lendl key to Murray’s chance of grand slam success in Australia

Lendl was renowned as one of the most dilligent players on tour in the 1980s, an approach which saw him land eight majors and top the rankings for 270 weeks.

That record and reputation led Murray to appoint the 51-year-old as his coach at the turn of the year and the world No 4 has already been struck by Lendl’s application.

He said: “He is a very hard worker. I like hard work as well. I think he’s liked that so far in the time we’ve spent together.

“The last couple of years especially my attention to detail has got much, much better.

“I was very young when he played but he’s obviously had a great attitude towards trying to improve.

“He tried many new things and he was always in great shape. He’s definitely going to help with that side of things as well.”

Murray was born in 1987 when Lendl was at the peak of his powers but he has taken to the internet to watch videos of his new mentor.

“I have watched him since I’ve got older and started to understand the history of tennis a little bit better,” he added.

“I’ve seen some of his matches, re-runs, bits and pieces on YouTube.”

It may have proved a useful introduction for Murray as he admits he knew little of Lendl before they started working together.

“I’d spoken to him once or twice about four or five years ago when I was working with Brad Gilbert, when I trained at (Nick) Bollettieri’s.

“He came and watched a couple of my practices,” continued Murray.

“I chatted to him a couple of times then, but nothing after that at all. I didn’t really know him, no.”

Murray opens his campaign against American Ryan Harrison tomorrow as he looks to reach a third successive final in Melbourne

Although he has enjoyed great success here, and some painful losses – he failed to win a set in his final defeats to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – the Scot is not one for dwelling on the past.

“I have been coming here for six or seven years now and really enjoy playing here,” he said.

“But I don’t normally think too much in the past and always try to concentrate on what’s in front of me, what I am trying to achieve this year.

“I like the conditions here, it’s a good surface for me.”

Heather Watson will open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena today when she takes on third seed Victoria Azarenka in her first-round encounter.

The 19-year-old from Guernsey is first up on the main show court in Melbourne on a day which features three other Britons in action.

James Ward and Laura Robson, whose victories in qualifying swelled the British contingent in the main draws to six – a 20-year best for an overseas grand slam – also play their opening encounters.

Ward meets Slovenian Blaz Kavcic while Robson takes on 13th seed Jelena Jankovic on Margaret Court Arena.

Anne Keothavong completes the line-up on court 11 with her match against Mona Barthel.

Australian Open previews: Page 8.