Murray Returns to Coaching with Jack Draper Ahead of Wimbledon

It never seemed likely that Andy Murray would stay away from tennis for long, yet his upcoming return to the All England Club alongside Jack Draper this summer remains a surprise.

During the 18 months since ending his coaching stint with former rival Novak Djokovic, the 39‑year‑old has enjoyed family life with wife Kim and their four children, refined his golf game, and expanded his business interests.

In April, Murray said he wasn’t ready to resume coaching. A month later, Draper announced that his childhood idol had joined his team.

The Scotsman has long acted as an informal mentor to the 24‑year‑old both on and off the court—remember his gruff driver role during a post‑Davis Cup win car ride in 2023—but the timing of this partnership was unexpected.

What prompted Murray’s change of heart?

“After I stopped working with Novak, I received several coaching offers,” he explained. “I wasn’t interested in being on the road and away from my family. It wasn’t that I disliked coaching—I simply prefer being at home.”

“When Jack asked me, I considered it, spoke with my wife, and told him I’d love to help.”

Murray is now acting as a “super‑coach,” akin to the dynamic he shared with eight‑time major champion Ivan Lendl, who helped him secure three Grand Slam titles.

In recent weeks, Draper and Murray have been training on the practice courts at the National Tennis Centre in London as Draper works through lingering fitness issues.

Former world number four Draper has slipped from the top of the men’s game after a series of injuries but begins his latest comeback at Eastbourne this week, aiming to prove his fitness for Wimbledon.

Murray—who also faced physical setbacks early in his career—hopes the partnership will be a long‑term venture.

“Jack is a brilliant player. There’s no doubt that when he returns to the court he’ll perform well and win matches at the highest level,” Murray said. “But right now the focus is on getting him competing consistently again.”

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