Draper and Murray Era Set to Begin in Eastbourne

An aggravated tendon in Jack Draper’s right knee delayed the start of the Andy Murray-Jack Draper era, but it will finally commence next week at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.

Draper, now ranked No. 113, will open his grass-court season against fifth-seeded Brandon Nakashima – a tough test in his first match since April – but the Brit has wind in his sails after spending the last few weeks with three-time champion Murray by his side.

“He’s amazing,” Draper said.

“Obviously, I have a really great relationship with him off the court, but on the court there are not many people more knowledgeable than Andy, and he’s been an amazing support to me.

“Especially at this moment, having him believe in me, believe in my tennis, and back me to do well means the world to me.”

Murray is similarly excited about working with Draper. The 39-year-old legend had nothing but rave reviews for the Brit.

“His tennis is bloody good,” he said this week at Queen’s Club, according to the Guardian. “Obviously he’s had lots of issues the last year with various injuries. I feel like he’s starting to come out the other side of that now. The next step is getting on the match court and getting a consistent run of tournaments and weeks under him and building trust again in his body.”

Murray has known Draper for a long time, but he admits that he has been pleasantly surprised after working closely with the former World No.4.

“I get to spend a decent amount of time with Jack,” said Murray. “I also believe a lot in his tennis. In the sessions I’ve done with him, I’ve been more impressed probably than what I expected. 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 gets more than a tactical expert in Murray. He also gets a mentor who has endured some of the toughest injury setbacks imaginable and come out the other side. That experience should prove invaluable in helping Draper, who is still just 24, keep the bigger picture in focus.

“He obviously has been through so much throughout his career, so much experience, many setbacks, many injuries, many adversities, but he always came through them – he was incredibly good at coming back and showing what he’s all about,” Draper said. “So having him in my corner has been obviously great from that aspect as well.

“I think it’s just nice that he believes in my tennis, and it’s about the progression, about the journey. It’s not about one tournament or two tournaments. It’s about what I’m doing on the practice court every day – especially after my injuries – to keep progressing, to keep developing my game for the long term.

“He’s really tried to instill that in me, especially during a period when I’ve maybe been a little impatient.”