British tennis star Jack Draper has been handed a sobering reality check after a bold coaching move failed to yield the desired results, culminating in his withdrawal from the US Open and an early end to his 2023 season. The 21-year-old, long touted as a future star of the game, had enlisted not one, but two of Andy Murray's former mentors in a bid to accelerate his development, only to be sidelined by a recurring shoulder injury that has plagued his progress.
LONDON — The decision to bring on board both James Trotman, Murray’s childhood coach, and Jez Green, the renowned physical conditioner who built Murray into a Grand Slam champion, was seen as a major statement of intent from the Draper camp. The ambitious double appointment was designed to holistically address both the technical and physical sides of his game, mirroring the foundational work that propelled Murray to the top of the sport.
However, the best-laid plans have been abruptly halted. Draper’s season is over after he was forced to pull out of the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, due to the same shoulder issue that caused him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon. In a statement, Draper expressed his profound disappointment, saying, "I'm disappointed to have to withdraw from the US Open. My injury has been progressing well, but I need to continue with my rehab and training through the US Open series."
The Ambitious Coaching Gamble
The partnership with Jez Green, in particular, was viewed as a masterstroke. Green is credited with transforming Andy Murray from a talented but often-cramping youngster into one of the fittest and most resilient athletes on the ATP Tour. For Draper, whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by physical setbacks, Green’s expertise was supposed to be the key to unlocking his immense potential. The focus was on building a robust physical foundation capable of withstanding the grueling demands of the professional tour.
Simultaneously, working with James Trotman offered a return to technical basics. Trotman, who worked with a young Murray for a decade, is known for his emphasis on sound fundamentals and a strong work ethic. The dual strategy was clear: combine Green’s physical conditioning with Trotman’s technical guidance to create a complete, durable, and top-ten-caliber player. The early signs were positive, with Draper showing flashes of brilliance, but the underlying physical vulnerability remained.
A Season Hamstrung by Injury
The 2023 season has been a story of false dawns for Draper. He started the year by reaching the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters, defeating Andy Murray in a grueling three-set battle along the way. This victory seemed to signal that the new coaching setup was paying dividends. However, the physical cost of such matches repeatedly proved too high. A abdominal tear in Lyon and the persistent shoulder problem have limited him to just 24 matches all year.
The pattern has become frustratingly familiar for British tennis fans: a moment of sublime skill followed by a withdrawal due to injury. This inconsistency has prevented him from building any sustained momentum and has seen his ranking stagnate outside the top 100. The physical demands of the modern game have served as a harsh reality check, demonstrating that even the best coaching team cannot circumvent the need for a body that can endure the relentless schedule.
The Road to Recovery
By shutting down his season early, Draper and his team have made a pragmatic, if disappointing, decision. The focus now shifts entirely to rehabilitation and a prolonged period of strength and conditioning work under Green’s supervision. The goal is not just to heal the current shoulder injury but to fundamentally overhaul his physical resilience to prevent future breakdowns. This process is not a quick fix; it requires a long-term commitment to building a stronger athletic frame.
The challenges Draper faces are not unique. Andy Murray’s own career is a testament to battling through severe physical trials, including major hip surgery. The hope within British tennis is that Draper can channel a similar resilience. His team has emphasized the need for patience. A source close to the player noted, "It's incredibly frustrating for Jack, but he understands this is a necessary step. The work with Jez is a long-term project. This isn't about being ready for next week; it's about being ready for the next decade."
Looking Ahead to 2024
The premature end to the 2023 season means that Draper will have a significant amount of time to drop ranking points, likely seeing him fall further down the ATP list. This will necessitate relying on wild cards for entry into major tournaments at the start of the 2024 season. However, this setback could also be reframed as an opportunity—a chance to hit the reset button without the pressure of immediate results.
The key takeaways from this reality check are clear:
- Physical Durability is Paramount: Talent alone is not enough. The modern game requires supreme athleticism.
- Long-Term Planning Over Short-Term Gains: Sacrificing the end of this season could pay dividends for his entire career.
- The Right Team Doesn't Guarantee Instant Success: Integrating new coaches and methodologies takes time, especially when addressing deep-seated physical issues.
While the hiring of Murray’s old coaches was a headline-grabbing move, Jack Draper’s journey is a reminder that there are no shortcuts in professional tennis. The path to the top is paved with relentless hard work, patience, and, crucially, time spent in the gym rehabilitating and strengthening. The reality check has been delivered; the response in the off-season will define his 2024 campaign and beyond.