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Becker would consider LTA role

Phil Casey,Pa
Monday 08 November 2010 12:53 GMT
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(GETTY IMAGES)

Boris Becker would not rule out working with the Lawn Tennis Association to improve the state of British tennis.

The LTA were reported to be in talks with the three-time Wimbledon champion last month over a coaching role.

And although that was categorically denied at the time, Becker - who has a house in London - would not dismiss the idea out of hand.

"The story came about because I am at Wimbledon a lot and I practice at Roehampton sometimes with the British juniors, but I have not sat down and discussed it with Roger Draper (LTA chief executive)," the 42-year-old German told Press Association Sport.

"If they approached me I would discuss it with them. Tennis is my life and I always want to stay involved in it. You can never say never."

Becker's pedigree on the court is beyond question, with the former world number one considered one of the best players of all time.

However, his coaching experience is limited and the LTA have recently hinted they are keen to move away from the high-profile imports that have defined Draper's four-year tenure.

Former head coach Paul Annacone - who is now coaching Roger Federer - Brad Gilbert and Peter Lundgren have all been involved in trying to improve men's tennis in Britain during that period.

But, world number four Andy Murray aside, the situation remains worse than ever, with British number two James Ward down at 220th in the rankings and Alex Bogdanovic (293) the only other player inside the top 300.

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