Andy Murray split with coach Amelie Mauresmo Monday, ending a groundbreaking two-year relationship during which the British star improved as a clay-court player but failed to add to his collection of Grand Slam titles. A statement released by Murray's management company didn't disclose the reason behind the decision, although Mauresmo said "dedicating enough time along with the travel has been a challenge for me." The Frenchwoman gave birth to her first child in August and took six months off from coaching. "Working with Andy over the last two years has been a fantastic experience for me," said Mauresmo, a former top-ranked player who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. "I've thoroughly enjoyed being part of the great team of people he has around him." Murray became the first high-profile tennis player to hire a woman as a coach when he brought Mauresmo on board in June 2014. Murray is heading into a busy period of the season, with the French Open, Wimbledon, Rio de Janiero Olympics and US Open all in the next four months. "I'll take some time to consider the next steps and how we progress from here," Murray said, "but I'd like to thank her for everything she has done, she's been an invaluable member of the team." Djokovic targets Rome after record triumph Novak Djokovic heads for Rome this week crediting an unscheduled pause in his claycourt season with helping him clinch a record 29th Masters title. The world No. 1 one defeated long-time rival Andy Murray 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Sunday to win the Madrid Masters for a second time. Djokovic, 28, was forced to rest after losing his first clay outing of the season, going down in Monte Carlo to Czech Jiri Vesely. But he credited the pause with actually helping his game as he decompressed after winning four early-season titles — Doha, the Australian Open and Indian Wells and Miami Masters. "I had an amazing opening four months of the season. The early exit in Monte Carlo happened for a reason — I needed some time to really recharge my batteries," said Djokovic. The Serb called his three-week stoppage "more than enough to get some freshness and new breath, on the court and get ready for Madrid. "I came to Madrid early, got used to the conditions, and played a really fantastic tournament that will definitely serve as a great confidence boost before Rome and of course the French Open, where I want to arrive in the best possible shape." The world No. 1 captured his fifth trophy of 2016 as he defeated defending champion Murray for the 12th time in their last last 13 matches to stand at an overwhelming 23-9 in their career head-to-head. The Belgrade native won 912,900 euros ($1.04 million) Sunday and victory in Rome will make him the first man to win $100 million in prize money. Murray fell to No. 3 in the world Monday behind Roger Federer after failing to defend his title. In Rome, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer have been drawn in the same half. — Agencies
