Jack Draper is currently enjoying the perfect return to tennis, having cruised into the semi-finals of the Eastbourne International without dropping a single set.
This is not the tennis of a man who has been out of action for two months, and for British tennis fans with Wimbledon just around the corner, things could not look more promising.
That is, despite worries over Emma Raducanu’s fitness after missing training at Aorangi this week thus far.
There will still be a strong British contingent at their home major regardless, but few capture the imagination like Jack Draper.
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It feels like he can be a genuine threat for elite titles when he is back to his best, and with Andy Murray now by his side in the coaching box, interest in his career has arguably never been so high.
And yet, for all the fanfare that the Scotsman is justifiably getting, there has been another addition to the Draper team whose influence deserves more credit.
Jack Draper has added James Trotman back to his coaching team alongside Andy Murray
The man in question is James Trotman, who helped oversee the most fruitful part of Draper’s career thus far.
Under his tutelage, the 23-year-old enjoyed the best run of his career, reaching a US Open semi-final, reaching a career-high ranking of fourth, and winning a Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells.
However, opting to depart after that latter triumph, things for the Brit have gone sharply downhill.
His failing physique cannot be attributed to the absence of one coach, but this instant return to form certainly can be. After all, his vocal support for his player during his toughest and biggest moments has proved crucial time and time again.
Whilst Murray will steal headlines as the star-studded name coaching Draper, it’s actually his supplementary support of Trotman’s already established success that could truly turn this star, currently ranked 131 in the world, into a challenger once again.
That is, if Trotman sticks around.
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Since Draper hired Murray as his new coach, British interest has arguably reached fever pitch.
After all, this was a dream union that many had desperately hoped for, but not expected to ever become a reality.
The Scotsman has unsurprisingly been effusive in his praise of Draper, and actually admitted he was surprised by his level.
Speaking a few weeks ago, he claimed: “In the sessions I’ve done with him, I’ve been more impressed probably than what I expected.
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“And I thought he was bloody good before I started helping him. He’s a quick learner. He’s got very few holes in his game.
“He’s a more complete player than probably what I expected as well.”
