Draper's Anticipated Return to Court
British tennis talent Jack Draper is poised to re-enter competitive play at Eastbourne next week, with former world number one Andy Murray joining his coaching team. The 24-year-old has been out of action since early April due to injury and requires match practice leading up to Wimbledon, which commences on June 29.
After withdrawing from Queen's last week, Draper has now confirmed his readiness for the Eastbourne tournament, aiming to demonstrate his fitness before the Championships. This event will mark his first under Murray's guidance, who became part of Draper's support team last month.
Andy Murray's Long-Term Coaching Ambitions
Andy Murray, speaking exclusively to BBC Sport, expressed his desire for a sustained partnership with Draper. When asked about the longevity of their collaboration, the 39-year-old stated, "I hope so. I think the number one priority for Jack and the team just now is getting him back on the match court, competing and gaining trust in his body again."
Draper had previously worked with Jamie Delgado, who also coached Murray, before announcing that the three-time Grand Slam singles champion would be "supporting" him during the grass-court season.
Injury Setbacks and Ranking Drop
Once considered a potential successor to Murray as Britain's top male player, Draper had shown significant promise, reaching a Grand Slam semi-final, breaking into the world's top five, and securing an ATP tour title at Indian Wells within an 18-month span. However, his progress has been hampered by recurring injury issues.
After a nearly seven-month absence due to bone bruising in his serving arm, Draper returned to the tour in February, only to suffer a knee injury at the Barcelona Open in early April. Consequently, he has played only 11 matches in the past year, causing his world ranking to drop outside the top 100.
Draper has been training with Murray at the National Tennis Centre in London over recent weeks and now feels prepared to return to match play. Murray commended Draper's abilities, stating, "I've been incredibly impressed with his tennis on the practice court. He's a super quick learner and a brilliant player as well. [I have] no doubt that when he gets back on the match court he will perform well and win matches at the highest level. But right now the focus is on trying to get him back competing consistently again."
Raducanu Opts Out of Eastbourne
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu has chosen not to compete in Eastbourne. The British women's number one, who recently reached the Queen's final, will instead continue her Wimbledon preparations on the practice courts next week. Raducanu believes that practicing with coach Andrew Richardson, who guided her to her 2021 US Open victory and was rehired last month, will be more beneficial than additional match time before Wimbledon.
Wildcards for the combined ATP-WTA event at Eastbourne have been granted to several British players, including Arthur Fery, Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington Jones, Francesca Jones, Alicia Dudeney, and Hannah Klugman.
Source: Draper to return at Eastbourne with new coach Murray