Murray and Butorac announce split

Britain's Jamie Murray will end his doubles partnership with American Eric Butorac after the US Open and is looking for a top-class replacement.

Murray and Butorac are ranked 13th in the ATP doubles race, which covers performances in the calendar year.

And Murray's agent Patricio Apey says while the split is amicable, the Scot is keen for a high-quality new partner.

"True champions make these decisions when they are at the top of the game rather than the bottom," said Apey.

"They've had some good open discussions and decided it was best to go on without each other. They have learned a lot together but it is time to move on."

Apey added: "It is in the Murray genes to always strive for the best.

"When Andy split with his coach Mark Petchey, he put the world's best coaches on the list of possible replacements, and I see the same trait in Jamie.

"He has a lot of fire in his belly and he strives for the very best. Other players know they will have a great future if they link up with Jamie."

Murray and Butorac revealed their imminent split in a statement on their website on Wednesday.

It read: "Booty and Stretch will be no more after the US Open. We will be heading our separate ways."

Murray and Butorac have won three titles so far this year in Memphis, Nottingham and San Jose.

Since Memphis in February the pair have only once been past the quarter-finals of a tournament, winning the title on grass in Nottingham in June.

The 21-year-old, elder brother of British number one Andy, also won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Jelena Jankovic and is part of the Great Britain Davis Cup team.

Hmm, I thought this might be on the cards, things haven't really gone to plan since Wimbledon, although guaranteed they'll do well at the US Open in the final tournament before they split!!

So who will be Murray's new partner? What about Mark Knowles? He and Nestor are going their separate ways after the US Open. Maybe it could work- a combination of age and youth, experience and big talent? Now that is a thought!

Interestingly I've just read the Guardian article on this split and they seem to think that it is an immediate split :wacko: they're saying that Murray will be without a partner for the upcoming master's series.

I have a feeling that Murray may have someone in mind, or maybe has already approached someone before making this decision. You've gotta think that after his Wimbledon mixed doubles win, Murray must think he can get higher in the doubles rankings - though possibly with a 'higher quality' partner?

Yeah I read that on the guardian website but I think it's merely another case of tennis journalists knowing less than us! I checked out the Strech and Booty website and they do say that they're staying together until the end of the US Open. Booty has also announced that he will play with Ross Hutchins in Bejing after the Open.

I agree that Murray probably thinks he can do better and I think he can. This time next year I predict he'll be at least top 10.

So the ruthless streak runs through Jamie as it does in Andy.I think he realised his stock was starting to soar,and decided to cash in.He really does have a natural doubles game,more so than Butorac.

Jamie has an instinct at the net,and if he can find a compliment to his attributes in his next partner,then he is capable of winning more slams.

Yep, definitely. He had to realise after Wimbers what he could be capable off, and it takes a lot of guts I think to make this kind of break rather than stick with what you know.

I am curious to find out who he will pair up with - whether he has anyone in mind or not.

I get the same impression about Jamie already having a new partner lined up. After his wimbledon successes I think he kinda got used to the 'big time' and felt that playing doubles with 'Booty' every week was not up to the standard he could fulfil - maybe hes right :shrug: But what ever happens I wish them the best of luck for now and the future :ok:

From am.com- Jamie’s doubles partners for the next fortnight have been confirmed, starting with James Blake at the Masters Series event in Montreal. Best looking dubs pair in the draw, according to Jamie!

Week after, he’s set to team up with Mahesh Bhupathi, who recently played with Tim Henman in Washington, reaching the quarter-finals.

Strange- I thought they were meant to be playing together til after the US Open?? Maybe they decided to cut their losses? Teaming up with Bhupathi may prove fruitful though!