Defensive Murray must change tack: Stefanki

LONDON (Reuters) - Andy Murray must ditch his defensive approach if he is to reach the top of the game, according to Larry Stefanki, the coach who helped mastermind Andy Roddick's semi-final defeat of the Briton at Wimbledon.

Murray's brilliant movement and counterpunching style have lifted him to third in the world and to last year's U.S. Open final, but Stefanki said more aggression and offensive tactics were required to take him to the next level in the game.

"His record is great and he is a very strong-minded kid, and I like that, but he needs to recognize when to play offence," the 51-year-old, a former coach to John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios and Tim Henman, told Radio Wimbledon.

"Besides Roger Federer he is the best mover in the game. He has the best footwork and he is technically very sound. He has to change his mentality of the way he wants to play this game at the very top level."

Murray was strongly favored to beat big-serving Roddick in their semi-final at the All England Club, but the American attacked the Scot's second serve and ran out a winner in four sets.

"I think the difference was that Murray's second serve was very attackable. That was the plan, to move in and club some second-serve returns," Stefanki, who has been coaching Roddick since December, said.

"He is going to have a great future if he gets to the point of recognizing balls to attack and to come into the forecourt and play there rather than 15 feet behind the baseline."

Stefanki turned down the chance to coach Murray three years ago, but still believes the 22-year-old can be a big player in the majors.

"I like Andy Murray a lot and I respect his game. He plays it very smart but I still believe the game is played in the forecourt and at the net in order to win some big titles.

"He will win some big titles. He will win a lot of Slams, he is that good a mover."

(Editing by Miles Evans)