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 anticipated return to the professional circuit at the beginning of 2027. The former world No.1, who briefly joined Draper’s livestream sessions during the summer after the Englishman ended his partnership with long‑time mentor Jamie Delgado, reiterated his willingness to support the rising star once the latter is fully fit again.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Murray said, "Yes, there are still plans to help him [Draper]." He added that the exact nature of that assistance remains uncertain because Draper’s ranking is expected to have slipped considerably during his prolonged absence from competition. "I’m not sure where that will take us," Murray explained. "His ranking will have dropped, and he might have to rely on wild cards to get into events like the Australian Open.
We’ll see how it unfolds." Draper’s own timeline for a comeback was disclosed in an Instagram video posted in September. The 22‑year‑old confirmed that he does not anticipate stepping back onto a tour court before 2027 at the earliest, after missing all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026 due to a persistent bone bruise in his dominant left arm.
The injury has forced him to sit out for more than a year, and the physical setback has been compounded by a significant mental toll. Speaking candidly about his situation, Draper described himself as being in a "difficult place" following a first‑round loss to Spain’s Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open in August. He admitted that the mental fatigue accumulated over 15 months of battling the injury had become a major obstacle to his performance and confidence.
"It’s been a long, hard road," he said. "I’m still trying to shake off the mental exhaustion that built up while I was sidelined." Murray, who has taken on a modest coaching role with Draper, acknowledged the challenges of guiding a player who has been repeatedly forced off the tour by injury. "I’ve been doing a little bit of coaching, which I’ve enjoyed," he noted, "but 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 as much as I would have liked." Despite the limited on‑court interaction, Murray emphasized that he still finds value in staying connected to the sport.
"I do still enjoy coming and watching tennis a little bit," he said, adding that his primary focus at the moment is spending time with his children and supporting his family. This balance of personal life and occasional coaching reflects Murray’s broader approach after retiring from full‑time competition. Looking ahead, both Murray and Draper are hopeful that the young Brit will soon be back training and preparing for the next season. Draper’s recovery plan involves a gradual build‑up of physical conditioning, targeted physiotherapy for his arm, and mental‑strength work to overcome the lingering doubts that injuries often create.
If his rehabilitation proceeds as expected, he could aim to re‑enter the ATP circuit in early 2027, possibly starting with lower‑tier events to rebuild ranking points before attempting to qualify for the major tournaments. The prospect of receiving guidance from a former Grand Slam champion could prove invaluable for Draper. Murray’s experience of navigating the pressures of elite tennis, coping with injuries, and managing a high‑profile career offers a wealth of practical insights.
Moreover, Murray’s recent stint as a commentator and occasional mentor has kept him attuned to the evolving tactics and physical demands of the modern game, knowledge that could be passed on to Draper as he re‑establishes himself on tour. While the exact details of any future coaching arrangement remain fluid, Murray’s statement signals a willingness to stay involved in British tennis development. His involvement could range from occasional training sessions and strategic advice to more formal mentorship, depending on Draper’s needs and the opportunities presented by tournament entry lists and wild‑card allocations. In summary, Sir Andy Murray has confirmed that he remains open to assisting Jack Draper once the Englishman regains full fitness, even though the timeline and format of that support are still being worked out.
Draper, meanwhile, continues his rehabilitation with the goal of returning to competition in 2027, hoping to overcome both the physical and mental hurdles that have kept him off the court for an extended period. Both men share optimism that the coming months will bring progress, and that the partnership, however informal, could help Draper navigate the next chapter of his promising career.