Mind over matter as Murray turns to 'head coach' for wrist

By Bill Scott Aug 25, 2007, 18:51 GMT

New York - Rough-and-ready Scotsman Andy Murray has temporarily resorted to sessions of touchy-feely counselling to deal with his wrist injury in hopes of being ready for a start at the US Open from Monday.

The Briton admitted on Saturday that his tough-love approach to the rehabilitation of the lingering problem failed this month at ATP events in Montreal and Cincinnati.

And he had to get mental to deal with the problem which kept him from the courts for two long months from May 15.

'After Cincinnati, I went home for a few days, got five, six days of really good practise, working on my forehand, and getting more confidence in it.'

The 20-year-old then dropped hie bombshell: 'I saw a psychologist, and I saw the physio every day.'

Murray ranked, 19, won just two of three comeback matches he attempted this month and said that he's not new to the services of the 'head coach.'

'I'd seen one before, when I had my knee injury when I was 16, 17. I found it really helpful then, too. The knee problem was three months longer, and maybe a slightly harder time for me.

'I think they're really good but I don't think it's a good thing if you're having to use them every single day for six, seven months.

'But on and off for a few days at a time, I think it's very beneficial.'

Murray will face off against a qualifier in the first round.

The Scot said he's also been watching videos of his past tennis life in hopes of spurring muscle memory on his still-shaky forehand. Those sessions were supervised by the British therapist.

'The more I watch videos of what my forehand looked like before, just having sort of positive thoughts, (and have) someone who's listening to everything that you say, you can get stuff off your chest, let them know exactly how you're feeling.

'It was a really good idea and it's helped me a lot.'

Murray, whose pair of career titles have come this year and last in San Jose, has suffered with a run of injuries including back, groin and wrist, which he injured in Hamburg.

'I've had some time off, my body has had enough rest time. It's time for me to go back out on the court and start giving it 100 per cent again,' he said.

'I feel confident that I can do that.'