British number one Jack Draper said the support and experience of new coach Andy Murray have been invaluable as he prepares to return from injury, with the former world number one drawing on his own battles with setbacks throughout a decorated career.
Draper, who reached a career-high ranking of world number four in 2025, has not played since April and is set to make his comeback at the Eastbourne International on Monday after withdrawing from the Queen’s Club Championships earlier this month.
The 24-year-old added Murray to his coaching team in May and said the three-time Grand Slam champion’s perspective had been particularly valuable during his rehabilitation.
“Andy has obviously been through so much in his career — many setbacks, many injuries, many adversities — but he always came through them,” Draper told the Lawn Tennis Association website on Saturday.
“He was incredibly good at coming back and showing what he’s all about.
“Having him in my corner has been great from that aspect as well. It’s nice that he believes in my tennis and it’s about the progress.”
Murray, one of Britain’s most successful players, spent much of the latter part of his career battling injury problems, including a serious hip issue that threatened to end his playing days before he returned to compete with a metal hip implant.
Draper will face fifth-seeded American Brandon Nakashima in the opening round at Eastbourne as he looks to build match fitness ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on June 29.
The left-hander enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season, climbing into the world’s top five and establishing himself among the leading contenders on the ATP Tour before injury interrupted his progress.
With Wimbledon less than two weeks away, Draper said Murray’s belief in his game and experience of overcoming adversity had provided an important boost as he works his way back to full fitness.
