Andy Murray has explained the conditions of his coaching partnership with Jack Draper, as the 24-year-old looks set to return to competition in Eastbourne next week. The retired former world number one is coaching the young Brit for the grass season, but Draper has yet to play a match with Murray in his corner, as his return to competition from persistent injuries has been delayed.
Murray Impressed by Draper's Game
Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray says the former world number four is on track to feature in next week's ATP 250 event in Eastbourne ahead of Wimbledon. The retired British tennis icon has been impressed with Draper's game since they started working together a few weeks ago.
"Jack is supposed to be playing in Eastbourne next week. He's been training and getting ready for that. He's been on the court most days for the last few weeks," Murray told The Sun ahead of Draper's planned comeback.
"His tennis is bloody good. He's really good. Obviously he's had lots of issues the last year with various injuries. And I feel like he's starting to come out the other side of that now. The next step is obviously getting on the match court and getting a consistent run of tournaments and weeks under him and building trust again in his body.
"But from a tennis perspective, from what I've seen on the practice court, I've got no concerns there. He's a lot better than what I thought. 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."
Draper's Injury and Coaching Change
Draper has not played a match since the Barcelona Open in April, where he injured his knee. Since then, the British number three has parted ways with former coach Jamie Delgado, who previously worked with Murray, and brought in the retired Scot for the grass season.
Murray's Coaching Stance
Murray already has coaching experience, spending six months working with his old rival Novak Djokovic before their partnership ended last May. But the two-time Olympic champion made it clear to Draper that he didn't want to be out on the road.
He added: "I was quite clear with him that I'm not going to be on the road travelling. I still want to be able to pick my kids up from school, drop them off at home.
"If that wasn't something that worked for him, then that was also absolutely fine. But I said I'd still love to help you if you would like that. He's asked for me to help him over this next period. I've enjoyed being on court with him. We'll see how the next few weeks pan out."
Future Plans
Beyond the grass season, Draper has already signed up for the ATP 500 event in Washington, but it remains to be seen whether Murray remains a part of his team from afar.
