Jack Draper Opens Up About Andy Murray’s Coaching Style: “He’s Brought Real Calmness”

Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to an injury to his left leg, to the utter disappointment of the home fans. But he will be back in action at the Citi Open.

This is Draper’s seventh tournament of the season. After withdrawing from the 2025 US Open following his first-round win, Draper’s did not play a tournament before the Dubai Tennis Championships. The only time Draper reached a semifinal was at the Eastbourne International, where Ugo Humbert defeated him.

In Washington, Draper will lock horns with Alex Michelsen in the first round. They will be facing each other for the first time in their career. Ahead of the match, Draper sat for an interview with Sky Sports and talked about the influence of Andy Murray on his team.

Andy has been an incredible part of my team so far. He’s brought a real calmness, he has got great energy about him, but I think people are seeing it now more after he’s retired. But he’s incredibly playful, so always have a lot of fun, but he is great because he really believes in me and my tennis, believes that I can go a long, long way.

Murray joined Draper’s team in May to coach him for the grass swing, but they have extended their partnership till the US Open. This is the three-time Grand Slam champion’s second coaching job following the partnership with his old rival Novak Djokovic.

And to have one of your biggest idols think like that is something to really be proud of, gives me confidence. So, yeah, we’re on a journey together, and I think there’s so many improvements in my game. So much to come.

Jack Draper added

Murray joined the Serb’s team just about four months after his retirement at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The partnership lasted for just six months, during which the 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and the final of the Miami Open.

Jack Draper on his decision to skip Wimbledon

Jack Draper was scheduled to face Taylor Fritz in the first round of Wimbledon. He withdrew not just from Wimbledon but also from the Australian Open and the French Open.

It was really difficult to miss Wimbledon, but it was the right decision. I’ve had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem-solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it. I’ve never had a long-term injury before, so I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good.

Jack Draper told Sky Sports

Draper produced his best Grand Slam performance when he reached the semifinals of the 2024 US Open. The last time he won a title was at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters, beating Holger Rune. Last year, apart from Indian Wells, he also made the finals of the Qatar Open and the Madrid Open, losing both to Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud, respectively.

I was actually saying to the guys that I feel emotionally and mentally, for a long time, like I’ve been quite tired because of the process, but I’m starting to get my energy back. To be honest, I feel really, really good, and I’m very proud of myself for the way I’m feeling. So happy to be here.

Jack Draper added

Because of his ranking, Draper did not get a direct entry to the Canadian Open, and he has decided not to play the qualifying round. Draper will be competing at the Challenger Brownsburg prior to the US Open. The tournament is set to start on August 10 and will conclude on August 16.

Also read: Aneke Rune Shares Positive News on Holger Rune’s Physical Condition as He Nears Comeback