Jack Draper has announced the addition of Andy Murray to his coaching team for the grass-court swing.
The bombshell announcement, which was made on Tuesday evening, will see coach Jamie Delgado depart from Draper’s team.
Draper, who has been battling a knee injury since the start of April, can now call upon the assistance of a two-time Wimbledon champion during this year’s grass-court campaign.
How excited are you for Andy Murray to join Jack Draper’s team?
What a signing!
Murray, who retired from his playing career after the 2024 Olympic Games, has previously coached Novak Djokovic.
With that factor being noted, how can Murray help Jack Draper?
Jack Draper’s backhand
Draper is a tremendous player; an individual who possesses an excellent serve, a potent forehand, and elite defensive skills.
He also possesses a good backhand shot. However, this is an area of Draper’s game that could be improved under the guidance of Murray.
Murray boasted an elite backhand during his career. It was an elite offensive and defensive tool, allowing the Briton to frequently transition from defence to attack in a matter of seconds.
Jamie Delgado, then the coach of Draper, recently identified the youngster’s backhand as an area for improvement.
“I think his backhand’s obviously rock solid,” Delgado told Sky Sports.
“I think it could be better. I think he can be a bit more offensive with that shot. He defends amazingly well. He can change directly. He’s got all the shots on that side, but can he be a little bit more proactive with that? I think he can.
“When he’s in position. Can he put guys in tougher situations? I think he can.”
Do you see any way back for Jack Draper?
Another injury!
The weight of a nation
Andy Murray was one of the most scrutinised athletes on the planet during his playing career.
Prior to his great successes of the early 2010s, Murray carried the burden of a nation that had not witnessed a male Grand Slam singles champion since the 1930s.
Murray lifted that pressure entirely when he won his first Wimbledon title in 2013.
Ahead of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships, Murray told The Guardian: “The nerves and the pressure here is also different to other tournaments for me. It’s probably greater here than it is at the other grand slams.
“But I enjoy pressure. I like feeling nervous. I’m not scared of that feeling.
“I felt like I played my best tennis when I’ve been under pressure. I love playing here.”
If anyone can help Jack Draper manage the weight of expectation, it is Andy Murray.
Andy Murray’s greatest career titles / achievements
- 2012 Olympic Gold Medal
- 2012 US Open
- 2013 Wimbledon
- 2016 Olympic Gold Medal
- 2016 Wimbledon
- 2016 end-of-year world number one
Bouncing back from injury
Despite his youth, Draper has endured a plethora of injuries.
The former world number four has dealt with injuries to his shoulder, hip, elbow and knee.
Last year, the British star missed the majority of the season due to a left elbow injury, making his return in February this year.
Three months later, and Draper again finds himself away from the court.
The Brit suffered a knee injury at the Barcelona Open; an injury that has prevented him from competing during the clay-court swing.
Andy Murray suffered his fair share of injuries, particularly during the latter stages of his playing career.
The British star endured hip pain for a number of years, leading to Murray undergoing a hip resurfacing operation in 2019.
Murray’s experience in this matter could be invaluable to Jack Draper, who may need some positive encouragement after his latest injury setback.
