"He may even have jeopardized his success at the O2" - Louis Cayer on Andy Murray's decision to prioritize Davis Cup over ATP Finals
Legendary doubles coach Louis Cayer revealed that Andy Murray made it a point to practice doubles during the ATP Finals in 2015 to ensure he was in a prime position to help Britain win the Davis Cup.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast, Cayer discussed his work with Andy Murray in preparation for the 2015 Davis Cup.
World No.1 wanted to win the tournament at any cost, according to the Canadian. Cayer disclosed that they sneaked in doubles training sessions during the ATP Finals. While the ATP Tour finals was held on hardcourt, the final of the Davis Cup was to take place on clay.
Another fantastic interview, this time with Barry Cowan speaking to legendary doubles coach Louis Cayer 🎧🎙🎾 @atptour @the_LTA tun.in/tlDIkR
Murray traveled to the nearest claycourt at Queen's to carry on training with Cayer. Cayer felt practicing doubles may have impacted Murray's performances at the ATP Finals.
Cayer said:
"During the 2015 ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 [arena], where he was in the singles, we would go to Queen's to practice doubles drills on claycourt," Cayer said. "He may even have jeopardized his success at the O2 in 2015, because the Davis Cup was what he wanted."
The 68-year-old also shed light on Murray's reasons for wanting to practice for his doubles match. Cayer disclosed that Murray was confident of winning both his singles ties in the final against Belgium.
By winning his doubles tie with brother Jamie Murray, Andy Murray would've secured the title for Great Britain irrespective of what happened in the other two singles matches.
"Andy Murray was fully aware that he could win his two singles and that if he won the doubles with Jamie [Murray], then they win the Davis Cup," Cayer said. "So he took 25 to 30 hours of purely doubles training with me."
Andy Murray managed to win the Davis Cup for Great Britain after a 79-year wait
As Andy Murray desired, Great Britain won the 2015 Davis Cup after beating Belgium 3-1 in the final to win their first title since 1936.
For Great Britain, Kyle Edmund lost the first singles tie in five sets against David Goffin. Andy Murray gave Britain the upper hand by defeating Ruben Bemelmans in straight sets and then taking the doubles tie with his brother.
The 7⃣9⃣ year wait is over
#OnThisDay in 2015 Great Britain won the @DavisCup for the 1⃣0⃣th time
#BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 https://t.co/EObYjA0wF3
In the reverse singles tie, Andy Murray downed Goffin in three sets. He became the third player after John McEnroe and Mats Wilander to win the maximum available eight singles matches in a Davis Cup tournament.
In the ATP Finals, Murray beat David Ferrer in his first match. However, he was eliminated from the tournament at the group stage after losing to Rafael Nadal and Stanislas Wawrinka.
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