Andy Murray confirms plans to keep helping Jack Draper after dramatic ranking fall

Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 04:30

Andy Murray has confirmed that he still plans to help Jack Draper as the former world No. 4 prepares for a return to tennis in 2027. The update provides a significant boost for Draper after a season in which injuries have prevented him from building any momentum and left his future plans increasingly focused on making a full recovery rather than forcing another comeback.

The relationship between the two Britons began earlier this year, when Murray joined Draper’s coaching set-up following his split with Jamie Delgado. Their association was initially planned around the grass-court season, but Draper’s physical problems quickly complicated the partnership. Another setback kept him away from Wimbledon, while further interruptions ultimately brought his 2026 season to an early end.

Draper’s current situation is a stark contrast to where he stood only 15 months ago. The 24-year-old reached a career-high world No. 4 in June 2025 after winning the Indian Wells Masters 1000 and establishing himself among the leading players on the ATP Tour. He is now ranked No. 155, having spent much of the past year dealing with injuries rather than building on the biggest breakthrough of his career.

His immediate objective is now to return at the beginning of the 2027 season, giving him several months to recover and prepare for another attempt at rebuilding his career. At 24, Draper still has time to rediscover the level that took him into the Top 5, but the next chapter will begin from a very different position, with Murray potentially remaining part of the support team around him.

Murray confirms he will keep helping Draper

Murray has acknowledged that Draper’s extended absence has made it difficult to determine exactly what their relationship will look like when the younger Briton returns. His ranking has also fallen to a level that could complicate his entry into the biggest tournaments at the start of next season.

“Yeah, there's still plans to help him [Draper]. I don't know where that is. I'm not entirely sure because his ranking will have dropped," the former world No. 1 said in an interview to Sky Sports. "I don't know if he would get into Australia and potentially relying on wild cards and things like that, so we'll see. Hopefully he'll be back on the court training again soon and getting ready for the new season - it has been an interesting year.”

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The coaching connection was first established after Draper ended his partnership with Delgado in May. Murray was not expected to become a permanent full-time coach immediately, but his experience of competing and recovering at the highest level made him a natural source of guidance for Draper.

The problem was that Draper’s health repeatedly prevented the partnership from developing normally. A recurring issue in his left arm ruled him out of Wimbledon, while a separate knee problem also disrupted his season. He eventually missed all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026 and decided that attempting to continue his comeback was no longer worthwhile.

“I've been doing a little bit of coaching, which I've enjoyed, but also Jack's had a few injuries and has been off the tour for quite a while, so I haven't been able to get into that quite as much as I would have liked," Murray admitted. "I do still enjoy coming and watching [tennis] a little bit, but I'm happy doing what I'm doing with my kids just now.”

Draper faces a very different 2027

The scale of Draper’s ranking fall underlines just how much has changed since his breakthrough. From No. 4 in the world, he is now outside the Top 150 after a season in which his opportunities to compete consistently were repeatedly restricted by physical problems.

His last ATP appearance came at the Cincinnati Open in August, where he lost to Martin Landaluce in the first round. Draper subsequently acknowledged the mental fatigue created by spending around 15 months dealing with injuries, before deciding to shut down his season and concentrate on returning properly in 2027.

That decision gives the Briton an extended period to address the problems that have repeatedly interrupted his progress. Rather than targeting another short-term comeback, Draper can now focus on arriving at the new season physically ready to compete consistently.

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The challenge will be substantial. He will return without the ranking protection that came with being a Top-10 player and could need wild cards or protected opportunities to gain access to some events. Murray’s comments indicate that the practical difficulties of that comeback are already being considered.

But Draper’s previous rise provides a clear reminder of what is possible when he is healthy. His Indian Wells title, US Open semifinal and ascent to No. 4 came before he had even turned 24.

Now, with his 25th birthday still some way away, Draper will have another chance to rebuild. After one of the most injury-disrupted periods of his career, 2027 will be less about returning to where he was immediately and more about establishing the physical consistency needed to get there again.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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