LONDON — Rising British tennis star Jack Draper has opened up about the possibility of working with Andy Murray as a coach following his recent split with Novak Djokovic’s former mentor, Mark Hilton. Draper, who has been making waves on the ATP Tour, shared his thoughts on what it would mean to have the two-time Wimbledon champion in his corner.
Draper, currently ranked inside the ATP Top 50, has been vocal about his admiration for Murray, calling him a "huge inspiration" and a "mentor figure" throughout his career. The 22-year-old left-hander acknowledged that Murray’s experience and tactical acumen could be invaluable as he looks to break into the upper echelons of men’s tennis.
Draper’s Admiration for Murray
In a recent interview, Draper didn’t hold back when discussing Murray’s influence on his game. "Andy’s been someone I’ve looked up to since I was a kid," he said. "The way he’s fought through injuries, the way he’s adapted his game—it’s something I really respect. If the opportunity ever came up to work with him, I’d definitely consider it."
Draper’s comments come at an interesting time, as Murray has been increasingly involved in mentoring younger British players. The 37-year-old Scot has previously worked with compatriots like Emma Raducanu and has expressed interest in coaching after his retirement.
The Djokovic Split and Coaching Vacancy
Draper’s former coach, Mark Hilton, had previously worked with Novak Djokovic, and their split in early 2024 left a vacancy in Draper’s team. While the young Brit has been working with interim coaches, he admitted that finding the right long-term fit is crucial. "It’s about finding someone who understands my game and can push me to the next level," Draper explained. "Andy knows what it takes to win Grand Slams, and that’s where I want to be."
Key factors Draper is considering in a potential coach:
- Grand Slam-winning experience
- Understanding of the modern game
- Ability to mentor under pressure
Murray’s Coaching Potential
Murray has yet to confirm whether he’d take on a full-time coaching role post-retirement, but his insights have already proven valuable to Draper. The pair have trained together at the National Tennis Centre in London, and Draper noted, "Even in those sessions, Andy’s advice has been spot-on. He sees things others don’t."
Would the Partnership Work?
While the idea of Murray coaching Draper is intriguing, there are logistical challenges. Murray is still an active player, albeit in the twilight of his career, and Draper’s schedule is packed with tournaments. However, Draper remains optimistic: "If the timing aligns, it could be something special."
Tennis analysts have weighed in, with former British No. 1 Tim Henman stating, "Andy’s tennis IQ is off the charts. If he transitions into coaching, he’ll be in high demand—and Jack would be a perfect fit."
Conclusion: A Dream Partnership?
For now, Draper is focused on his immediate goals but hasn’t ruled out a future collaboration with Murray. "We’ll see what happens," he said with a smile. "Right now, I’m just grateful for his support. Who knows what the future holds?"
As Draper continues his ascent, the prospect of Murray guiding him adds an exciting layer to British tennis’ next chapter. Whether as a mentor or a coach, Murray’s influence on Draper’s career seems far from over.