Andy Murray is making a return to the tennis world to coach Britain’s Jack Draper this grass-court season, including Wimbledon 2026.
Murray had six months coaching his former rival, Novak Djokovic, between November 2024 and last May, but had since been away from the sport to spend time with his family and on the golf course.
The Scot said in a recent interview that he was open to having another crack at coaching, and it has now emerged that he will team up with Britain’s most exciting male prospect this summer.
Draper announced on Tuesday that he has split from tennis coach Jamie Delgado, saying: “I am very grateful for everything Jamie Delgado has done for me over these past six months. He is a world-class coach and a great man.
Jack Draper 24, has suffered a series of setbacks due to injuries. Credit: PA
“In the interim, I will continue to be supported by the excellent team at the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), with the addition of Andy Murray, who will be supporting me throughout the grass court season.”
While Murray’s new job is initially a short-term arrangement, the prospect of coaching the man described by many as his successor in the British sport is a hugely exciting one for fans.
Draper will no doubt hope the partnership will help him push back towards the top of the game after his rank slipped to 50, having been in the world’s top four last June.
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The 24-year-old Londoner has been dogged by injury, spending nearly eight months sidelined by an arm problem, which saw him pull out of the US Open, and he is now forced to miss the French Open because of a knee issue.
“Injuries are going to happen… we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren’t supposed to in elite sport,” he wrote in October in a post on X.
“We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now and I’m proud to be a part of that, however, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are gonna achieve some sort of longevity.”
Grass has so far been Draper’s weakest surface and he will hope the guidance of two-time Wimbledon champion Murray can help him unlock his huge potential.
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