Sir Andy Murray has hinted that he could continue to play a coaching role for Jack Draper as the young Brit prepares for his anticipated return to the circuit at the beginning of 2027. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Murray confirmed that, despite his own busy schedule and family commitments, he remains open to re‑engaging with Draper once the latter is fully fit again. The backdrop to this discussion is Draper's own announcement earlier this year. In an Instagram video posted in September, the 22‑year‑old former British No.1 disclosed that he does not expect to step back onto a professional tennis court before 2027 at the earliest.
The decision follows a grueling 2026 season in which he missed all four Grand Slam events due to a persistent bone bruise in his dominant left arm. The injury has forced him into a long rehabilitation period, and the player has been candid about the mental and physical toll it has taken. Murray, who briefly joined Draper's Instagram livestream during the summer after the Englishman ended his partnership with longtime coach Jamie Delgado, reiterated his willingness to assist once Draper regains full health.
"Yeah, there's still plans to help him," Murray told Sky Sports. "I’m not exactly sure where that will lead because his ranking will have dropped dramatically. He might have to rely on wild cards to get into events like the Australian Open, so we’ll see how it unfolds. The hope is that he’ll be back training on court soon and gearing up for the new season.
It has certainly been an interesting year for both of us." The conversation also touched on Draper's recent struggles on the court. After a first‑round loss to Spain’s Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open in August, Draper described himself as being in a "difficult place". He admitted that the mental fatigue accumulated over 15 months of battling a serious injury was weighing heavily on his performance and confidence.
The loss, coupled with ongoing physical setbacks, has left him questioning his immediate future in the sport. Murray, reflecting on his own brief stint as a mentor, acknowledged the challenges of coaching a player who is repeatedly sidelined by injury. "I’ve been doing a little bit of coaching, which I’ve enjoyed, 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 quite as much as I would have liked," he said.
"I still enjoy coming and watching tennis a little bit, but right now I’m happy focusing on what I’m doing with my kids." Despite the limited on‑court time, Murray emphasized that his involvement has been valuable for both parties. He noted that even short training sessions can provide insights into a player’s technique, mindset, and recovery process. For Draper, having a former world No.1 and two‑time Grand Slam champion as a sounding board offers a unique perspective that could prove instrumental when he eventually returns. Looking ahead, both men recognize that the path back to competitive tennis will be anything but straightforward.
Draper's ranking, currently well outside the top 200, will likely force him to start from the lower tiers of the ATP Challenger Tour or rely heavily on wild‑card entries into higher‑level events. The British Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has indicated that it will continue to support Draper’s rehabilitation, but the onus will be on the player to rebuild his physical resilience and mental sharpness.
Murray’s own post‑playing career has evolved into a blend of commentary, charity work, and selective coaching. He has expressed a desire to strike a balance between spending time with his family and staying connected to the sport he loves. While he does not have a formal coaching contract with Draper, the informal mentorship arrangement appears to be based on mutual respect and a shared ambition to see British tennis thrive. The broader context of British tennis also adds weight to this narrative.
With the retirement of several veteran players, the next generation—led by talents like Draper, Cameron Norrie, and Dan Evans—faces the challenge of filling the void left by icons such as Murray himself. The mentorship of seasoned champions can accelerate this transition, providing younger athletes with the tactical acumen and mental fortitude required at the elite level. In summary, Sir Andy Murray has signaled that he remains open to assisting Jack Draper once the latter overcomes his injury woes and regains competitive form.
While the exact nature and timing of this support remain uncertain, both parties appear optimistic about the future. Draper’s road to a 2027 comeback will involve rebuilding his ranking, possibly navigating wild‑card entries, and re‑establishing his confidence on court.
Murray, meanwhile, continues to enjoy occasional coaching moments, but his primary focus remains on his family and his role as an ambassador for the sport. The tennis world will be watching closely as Draper works toward his return, and Murray’s guidance could prove to be a valuable asset in that journey.