Sir Andy Murray has disclosed that he remains open to offering coaching support to Jack Draper as the young Brit prepares for his anticipated return to the professional circuit early next year. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Murray confirmed that, despite having stepped away from a formal coaching role after a brief stint during the summer, he still harbors intentions to help Draper once the latter regains full fitness. The background to this prospective partnership lies in Draper's own announcement made via Instagram in September. In the video, the 22‑year‑old former British No.1 explained that, owing to a lingering bone bruise in his dominant left arm, he has been forced to miss every Grand Slam event in 2026 and does not expect to be back on tour until at least 2027.
The injury, which has proven stubborn and painful, kept him off the court for more than a year, and the prolonged absence has taken a toll on his ranking and confidence. Murray, who briefly joined Draper's streaming channel after the Englishman split with his long‑time coach Jamie Delgado, reiterated his willingness to re‑engage with the player once the latter is physically ready. "Yeah, there's still plans to help him," Murray told Sky Sports, adding that the exact timing remains uncertain because Draper's ranking will have slipped dramatically during his lay‑off. "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." Draper himself has spoken candidly about the mental and emotional strain of his injury saga. After a first‑round loss to Spain's Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open in August, he described feeling "in a difficult place" and admitted that the mental fatigue accumulated over fifteen months of rehabilitation was a significant obstacle to his comeback.
The young player emphasized that the constant cycle of treatment, physiotherapy, and limited practice sessions left him drained and uncertain about his future on the ATP Tour. Murray, who has transitioned into a more family‑focused life after retiring from full‑time competition, acknowledged the challenges of coaching a player who is repeatedly sidelined by injury. Nevertheless, he expressed genuine enjoyment from the limited coaching moments he has shared with Draper.
"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 said. "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." The potential re‑union between Murray and Draper could prove beneficial for both parties.
For Draper, having a former world No.1 and multiple Grand Slam champion as a mentor could provide valuable technical insights, strategic guidance, and a psychological boost as he navigates the arduous process of rebuilding his ranking from the bottom. Murray's experience in handling pressure, managing injuries, and crafting a successful comeback after his own hip surgery could serve as a blueprint for Draper’s own journey. From Murray's perspective, the opportunity to stay involved in the sport he loves without the full demands of a head coaching contract offers a balanced way to give back while maintaining his primary responsibilities as a father and ambassador for tennis.
He has already been active in various charitable and promotional activities, and occasional coaching sessions could fit neatly into his schedule. Looking ahead, the tennis calendar for 2027 will likely feature a mix of familiar tournaments and emerging events, and the question of entry into high‑profile competitions such as the Australian Open will hinge on Draper's ranking and possible wild‑card allocations.
If Murray does resume a more formal coaching role, his influence could help Draper secure those crucial wild cards, navigate the qualifying rounds, and ultimately re‑establish himself on the main tour. In the broader context, this story underscores the challenges athletes face when injuries disrupt promising careers.
It also highlights the importance of mentorship and the role that seasoned veterans can play in nurturing the next generation. As the sport continues to evolve, the relationships forged between former champions and rising stars will remain a vital component of tennis's ongoing narrative. Fans eager to follow Draper's progress and any potential Murray‑Draper collaboration can stay tuned to live streams on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, where coverage of events like the Laver Cup and other marquee matches will continue to be available.
While the exact timeline remains fluid, the mutual respect and shared ambition between Murray and Draper suggest that, when the time is right, they will once again work side by side to chase success on the court.