Murray seeks new coach

British number one Andy Murray has confirmed he has parted company with coach Brad Gilbert.

The American has been coaching the current world number 11 since July 2006 after signing a three-year contract with the Lawn Tennis Association.

But following speculation of a deteriorating personal relationship, Murray said: "Despite being injured for almost four months this year, I am pleased with my 2007 results and am very grateful for the help that the LTA have given me by providing Brad Gilbert as a coach."

He added: "But the time has come to move on to the next stage of my career.

"I am ranked 11 in the world and can now afford to pay my own way and so will now hire a team of experts each to fulfil a specified role in the development of my tennis and fitness."

After a successful playing career during which he won an Olympic bronze medal in 1988, Gilbert retired in 1994 and went on to become one of the most highly-regarded coaches in the game. He steered Andre Agassi to six grand slam titles and also oversaw Andy Roddick's US Open triumph of 2004 before they also split.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper said: "Andy has had another great year and despite a serious injury has demonstrated that he is a truly world-class player.

"Whilst working with Brad he has broken into the top 10, won two ATP titles and reached three finals.

"Andy's success is vital for British tennis and he has become an inspirational figure for followers of the sport," he added.