Andy Murray Backs Jack Draper Ahead of Potential Eastbourne Return

Andy Murray has backed Jack Draper ahead of his expected return to competitive tennis, saying he has no worries about the British star’s game despite a frustrating injury-hit year. Draper has played only nine matches in 2026 because of several fitness problems, but Murray believes the 24-year-old is finally moving in the right direction. With Wimbledon approaching, Draper is expected to make his comeback at Eastbourne next week after spending the last few weeks training regularly.

Andy Murray says Jack Draper is ready for his long-awaited return

Draper has struggled to stay healthy since last year. Problems with his left arm, knee tendon and shoulder have repeatedly interrupted his progress and kept him off the tour for long periods. His most recent match came at the Barcelona Open in April, where he was forced to retire because of injury. Speaking to SunSport at Queen’s Club, Murray said Draper has been working hard behind the scenes and is now close to returning. “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. 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.” Murray explained that the next challenge for Draper is not his tennis level but rebuilding confidence in his body through regular competition. “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.”

Andy Murray calls Jack Draper a more complete player than expected

Murray, who began working with Draper during the grass-court season, said he has been impressed by what he has seen in practice. From a tennis perspective, the former world No. 1 believes Draper is stronger than many people realise. “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.” Murray also revealed that his coaching role comes with limits because family remains his top priority. The two-time Wimbledon champion said he was clear from the beginning that he would not spend long periods 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.” For now, Murray and Draper will continue working together through the grass-court season, with Eastbourne likely to provide the first real look at Draper’s comeback ahead of Wimbledon.