Andy Murray always felt destined to one day become a coach, given how long he held onto being a player.
After all, despite his body routinely failing him after putting it through so much strain, the Scotsman continued to turn up and play.
He was never going to just let the sport completely pass him by even in retirement, and despite enjoying a brief spell of quiet after departing the sport, he jumped right back in at the deep end when the opportunity beckoned.
Coaching Novak Djokovic was something very few would turn down, and although the two clearly enjoyed their time together, it came to an end after just six months.
Now, Murray is the proud coach of Jack Draper, having rather interestingly manifested this role four years ago when discussing this topic in 2022.
Andy Murray revealed his dream coaching roles back in 2022
Asked to name some players who he would one day like to coach, whilst still two years away from his eventual retirement, Andy Murray thought for a moment.
Then, he came up with four names, three of which are still active on the ATP Tour.
Do you think Emma Raducanu has made a good decision with this hire?
Could you see her winning another Grand Slam title alongside Andrew Richardson?
He also offered his reasons, starting by revealing: “Female player would be Emma [Raducanu] and male player would be between [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas and Jack Draper.
“They work hard, they seem like they love the sport. Alcaraz and Tsitsipas haven’t won a slam yet. They’re obviously still very young, and I think they have the potential to do it.”
Since then, Carlos Alcaraz has won seven Grand Slam titles, and Emma Raducanu has reunited with her former coach Andrew Richardson.
Just last week, Draper revealed the impact Murray has already had on him during their partnership, which only started before the grass-court season.
Andy Murray needs to give Jack Draper time
Previously, Murray has been insistent that he does not want to take on a full-time coaching role that would put him on the road again. He has lived that life for decades, and naturally wants to scale such involvement back.
However, despite the noncommittal nature of his early partnership with Draper, he has now been pictured with him in DC ahead of the Washington Open this week.
How excited are you for Andy Murray to join Jack Draper’s team?
What a signing!
The Brit suffered an injury-hit grass swing which resulted in him sadly missing Wimbledon, meaning actual tournament action has been limited for Draper.
He has had such an injury-ravaged past year, and issues like that don’t clear up quickly.
That being said, Murray must have known this when he signed up. Hopefully, he realises the task ahead and is willing to give Draper time to heal. Only then can they properly start to see where this partnership might lead.
