Andy Murray is set to assist Jack Draper at Wimbledon this year, as the British number one has confirmed a major change to his coaching team. Draper has parted ways with coach Jamie Delgado and announced that three-time Grand Slam champion Murray will support him during the grass-court season.
Draper's Injury Woes
The world number 50 has endured a difficult year with injuries, managing just five tournaments and five wins in 2026. He missed the Australian Open due to bone bruising in his serving arm, an injury sustained at last year's US Open. After returning in February, a knee problem has now ruled him out of the French Open.
Draper hopes to be fit for the grass-court season starting next month, but he is likely to drop outside the top 100 by then. This would leave the 24-year-old, who was ranked as high as fourth in the world last year, as an unseeded wildcard at Wimbledon, potentially facing a top seed in the opening round.
Clay Court Struggles
Draper has played only one clay-court match in 2026, at Barcelona, where he retired against Tomas Etcheverry with a tendon problem in his right knee. He subsequently withdrew from ATP 1000 events in Madrid and Rome before confirming his absence from Roland Garros.
Murray's Return to Tennis
Despite the setbacks, there is excitement around Draper's collaboration with Murray, the only British man to win the Wimbledon singles title in 89 years. Murray previously coached Novak Djokovic for six months until May last year, his first coaching role. Draper's statement read: "I am very grateful for everything Jamie Delgado has done for me. In the interim, I will be supported by the LTA team, with Andy Murray supporting me throughout the grass court season."
Murray has not been officially given the title of coach. This marks his first involvement in tennis since splitting with Djokovic, who thanked Murray for "all the hard work, fun and support." Murray called the opportunity "unbelievable" and wished Djokovic well.
Delgado's Departure
Draper had only brought Delgado on board in October last year. Delgado previously worked with Murray during his rise to world number one and later coached Grigor Dimitrov. Draper is eager to return to consistent form following a remarkable 2025, when he broke into the top four, won his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, and reached the US Open semi-finals in 2024, the same year he claimed his first two ATP trophies in Vienna and Stuttgart.
