Sir Andy Murray has opened up about the possibility of continuing his coaching role with rising British star Jack Draper as the young player prepares for a long‑term return to the professional circuit. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Murray confirmed that he still has plans to support Draper once the Englishman regains full fitness, even though the timeline for Draper’s comeback remains uncertain. The backdrop to Murray’s comments is Draper’s ongoing battle with a persistent bone bruise in his dominant left arm.
The injury has forced the former British No.1 to miss every Grand Slam tournament in 2026 and has kept him off the court for the majority of the season. In an Instagram video posted in September, Draper hinted that, at the earliest, he might not be ready to compete again until 2027. He explained that the recovery process has been slow and that he does not want to rush back before his arm is truly healed, as doing so could jeopardise his long‑term health and career prospects. Murray’s involvement with Draper began in the summer when the two briefly teamed up after Murray’s own partnership with former coach Jamie Delgado ended.
During that period, Murray joined Draper’s livestream sessions, offering advice and sharing his own experiences from a storied career that includes three Wimbledon titles and two Olympic gold medals. Although the coaching stint was short‑lived, it left a lasting impression on both men.
When asked whether he would re‑engage with Draper once the latter is back on the tour, Murray said, "Yeah, there’s still plans to help him. I’m not entirely sure what form that will take, especially because his ranking will have dropped while he’s out.
He might need wild cards to get into events like the Australian Open, so we’ll have to see how it unfolds. I hope he can get back on court soon and start training for the next season – it’s been an interesting year for both of us." Draper himself has spoken openly about the mental and emotional toll the injury has taken. After a first‑round loss to Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open in August, Draper described feeling "in a difficult place" and admitted that the 15 months of dealing with a serious injury had left him mentally fatigued. He emphasized that the struggle was not only physical; the constant cycle of rehabilitation, missed tournaments, and the pressure to return had weighed heavily on his confidence.
Murray acknowledged these challenges, noting that coaching a player who is frequently sidelined is a different experience from working with someone who can compete week in, week out. He said, "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 as much as I would have liked. I still enjoy watching tennis and being involved, but right now I’m focused on spending time with my kids and the projects I have outside of the sport." Despite the limited on‑court interaction, Murray believes that his mentorship can still be valuable. He points out that his own journey through injury—most notably the hip surgery that forced him to retire temporarily in 2019—has given him insight into the psychological resilience required to bounce back.
Murray hopes to impart lessons about managing expectations, maintaining a positive mindset, and setting realistic goals for a gradual return to competition. Looking ahead, both Murray and Draper understand that the path to a full comeback will involve strategic planning around tournament entries.
Because Draper’s ranking is expected to fall dramatically after a year away, he may need to rely on wild‑card invitations or qualify through lower‑tier events to rebuild his standing. Murray’s role could evolve into a more advisory capacity, helping Draper navigate the logistics of entry applications, training schedules, and the mental preparation needed for high‑pressure matches. The broader tennis community has taken note of Draper’s situation, with many commentators emphasizing the importance of giving young players the space to recover fully rather than rushing them back for short‑term gains. Experts argue that a measured approach, combined with experienced guidance from former champions like Murray, can ultimately lead to a more sustainable and successful return.
In addition to his coaching aspirations, Murray continues to balance his responsibilities as a father and a public figure. He has expressed satisfaction with his current focus on family life and various charitable initiatives, suggesting that any future involvement with Draper will be balanced against these commitments. While the exact timeline remains fluid, the consensus among both men is clear: patience, careful planning, and a supportive network will be key to Draper’s eventual re‑entry onto the ATP tour. As the 2027 season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing whether Murray will step back onto the sidelines in a more formal coaching role, or continue to offer guidance on an as‑needed basis.
Regardless of the format, the partnership between a former world No.1 and a promising young talent underscores the enduring mentorship culture within British tennis, and it highlights the sport’s capacity for resilience and renewal after setbacks. For those interested in following the latest developments, live streams of tennis matches are available on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, with upcoming events like the Laver Cup final at The O2 in London scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.