Full Breakdown
Andy Murray Backs Jack Draper Ahead of Wimbledon: Coaching, Fitness, and Prospects
6/18/2026, 6:04:40 AM
Coaching Partnership and Current Status
Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has taken a temporary advisory role with British No. 1 Jack Draper as the grass-court season begins. Over the past month he has worked with Draper at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in daily on-court sessions. Draper, who has not competed since the Barcelona Open in April, is slated to play at Eastbourne next week.
Background & Context
Draper entered 2026 as a former US Open semi-finalist and a career-high world No. 4. Injuries over the past year have limited him to nine ATP matches and forced withdrawals from the French Open, Stuttgart and Queen’s Club. His ranking has fallen sharply.
Data & Statistics
- Career-high ranking: No. 4.
- Current ranking: reported as No. 113 or No. 159.
- Matches played in 2026: nine (including Barcelona Open).
- Wimbledon record: never beyond second round.
Official Statements & Responses
Murray told reporters at Queen’s Club that Draper has been training “most days” and that his tennis “is bloody good.” He said Draper’s fitness is improving and that the next priority is “getting on the match court and building trust again in his body.” Murray added he will keep family duties, such as picking up his children from school, as a condition on his involvement. Referring to his brief stint coaching Novak Djokovic in early 2025, Murray said match-day logistics were challenging but on-court coaching was straightforward, and he is prepared to support Draper similarly if needed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Draper’s exact ranking, citing both No. 113 and No. 159. No direct statements from Draper himself are provided, leaving his personal assessment of readiness unrecorded. Additionally, while Murray has expressed willingness to coach, there is no confirmation that he will serve as a courtside coach during Wimbledon matches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jack is supposed to be playing in Eastbourne next week.” — Andy Murray, former Wimbledon champion
- “His tennis is bloody good.” — Andy Murray
- “The next step is getting on the match court and getting a consistent run of tournaments and weeks under him and building trust again in his body.” — Andy Murray
- “I didn’t find it weird when I was watching matches with Novak,” — Andy Murray
What’s Next
Draper will debut at the Eastbourne International next week, aiming to secure match fitness before Wimbledon. Murray’s involvement may extend into the US Open series, contingent on his family schedule and Draper’s health status.
