Sir Andy Murray has opened up about the possibility that he could continue to play a coaching role for Jack Draper as the young Brit prepares for his long‑awaited return to the tour at the beginning of 2027. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Murray confirmed that, despite the uncertainties surrounding Draper's ranking and tournament entry, he remains willing to lend his experience and guidance once the Englishman regains full fitness. The backdrop to this discussion is Draper's own announcement earlier this year.
In an Instagram video posted in September, the former British No. 1 disclosed that he does not expect to step back onto a professional court before 2027 at the earliest.
The decision follows a grueling 2026 season in which he missed all four Grand Slam events because a persistent bone bruise in his dominant left arm continued to impede his performance and training. The injury, which first emerged during a series of hard‑court tournaments, has proven stubborn, forcing Draper into an extended rehabilitation period that has tested his physical resilience and mental stamina.
Murray, who briefly joined Draper's livestream in the summer after the latter ended his partnership with former coach Jamie Delgado, reiterated his commitment to the younger player. "Yeah, there's still plans to help him," Murray told Sky Sports, adding that the exact nature of that assistance remains unclear. "I don't know where that is.
I'm not entirely sure because his ranking will have dropped. I don't know if he would get into Australia and potentially relying on wild cards and things like that, so we'll see.
Hopefully he'll be back on the court training again soon and getting ready for the new season – it has been an interesting year." The former world No. 1's comments reflect both optimism and realism. If Draper's ranking falls significantly during his absence, gaining direct entry into major events such as the Australian Open could become challenging, meaning he might have to rely on wild‑card invitations or qualify through lower‑tier tournaments.
Murray's willingness to stay involved suggests he is prepared to help Draper navigate these logistical hurdles, offering strategic advice, match‑play insights, and perhaps even assistance in negotiating entry opportunities. Draper himself has been candid about the psychological toll the injury has taken. After a first‑round loss to Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open in August, he described feeling "in a difficult place" and admitted that the mental fatigue accumulated over 15 months of battling the condition was a significant obstacle. The combination of physical pain, interrupted training cycles, and the pressure of expectations created a perfect storm of stress that left him questioning his future trajectory.
Murray, who has now transitioned into a semi‑retired phase of his own career, acknowledged the challenges inherent in coaching a player who is repeatedly sidelined by injury. "I've been doing a little bit of coaching, which I've enjoyed, but also Jack's had a few injuries and has been off the tour for quite a while, so I haven't been able to get into that quite as much as I would have liked," he explained. Despite the limited on‑court interaction, Murray emphasized that he still finds value in watching tennis and staying connected to the sport. "I do still enjoy coming and watching [tennis] a little bit, but I'm happy doing what I'm doing with my kids just now," he added, highlighting the balance he seeks between family life and his enduring passion for tennis.
The broader context of Murray's involvement also underscores a growing trend of former top players stepping into mentorship roles. With his own experience of overcoming serious health setbacks—most notably a hip replacement that forced him to retire from professional competition—Murray brings a unique perspective on resilience and adaptation.
His insight could prove invaluable for Draper, who must not only rebuild his physical capabilities but also re‑establish confidence in his game plan and competitive mindset. Looking ahead, the tennis community will be watching how Draper structures his comeback. The 2027 season offers a fresh slate, but the road to that point will likely involve a carefully calibrated schedule of lower‑level events, targeted physiotherapy, and incremental match play to gauge readiness. Should Murray choose to formalize his advisory role, he could assist in designing training regimens that prioritize injury prevention, as well as offering tactical advice tailored to Draper's aggressive baseline style.
In summary, while the exact details remain fluid, Sir Andy Murray has signaled a continued willingness to support Jack Draper as the latter navigates the final stages of recovery and prepares for a 2027 return. Their partnership, though currently limited by circumstances, holds the promise of combining Murray's seasoned expertise with Draper's raw talent, potentially setting the stage for a compelling resurgence on the ATP tour. For those interested in following the developments, live streaming options are available through platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, which also broadcast events like the Laver Cup from The O2 in London.