"They know each other well and there’s a huge amount of respect there" - Petchey and Eubanks react to Murray and Draper partnership

One of the biggest news stories that has come out in the world of tennis this week is Andy Murray's return to the sport. Having teased a possible coaching return, he is looking to work his magic alongside Jack Draper with the Brit eyeing up a return to his best form after a torrid time with injuries.

This comes after the news that Jamie Delgado had been released of his duties. "I am very grateful for everything Jamie Delgado has done for me over these past six months," a Draper statement read. "He is a world-class coach and a great man."

With the former world number four out on the sidelines after his latest injury setback, he will have the chance to get accustomed to an old friend in Murray. The three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one competed against some of the best players in the world, and in his pomp defeated them. Injuries played a part in his demise from the sport but coaching has been somewhat calling his name. He jumped at the opportunity of being apart of Novak Djokovic's team at the end of 2025, with the stint lasting around six months.

He will now look to help Draper find some consistency on court and develop his game even further in a hugely exciting partnership for British tennis. Draper has tumbled down the order in recent times thanks to an arm injury. Recovery has taken an age and the points earned from the Indian Wells title run and a final in Madrid have been swiped off, seeing him plummet down the order. His clay swing was halted due to a knee injury picked up in Barcelona with grass the port of call. Alongside Murray, he will hope to make an impression.

Mark Petchey, who previously coached Murray from 2005 to 2006, did not see this coming as he reacted to the news on the Tennis Channel. "It’s an interesting time and an interesting decision," he said. "I guess I’m slightly surprised because Andy has been out for so long, at least from the press reports. I only saw when I went on air that Jamie Delgado isn’t going to be working during the grass season.

He had a theory that may see James Trotman make a return to Draper's camp. The pair were together from 2021 until their abrupt split in October 2025, allowing Delgado to come into the hotseat. Now, with Murray's and Trotman's relationship being very positive, Petchey suggested that he could see the pair reunite for the grass swing.

"That that says to me is that James Trotman — who was Jack Draper’s coach before Jamie Delgado — has been working at the LTA base at home. I have a strong suspicion, and this is not based on anything I’ve heard directly, that because James Trotman and Andy are pretty good friends — not that Andy and Jamie aren’t — James may well be coming back into the fold to work with Jack alongside Andy."

Overall, Petchey was in full belief that the pair of them could work well together, believing that Draper will not be affected by Murray's legacy in the sport and will clap back if necessary.

"Andy and Jack spent a lot of time together on the practice courts before Andy’s retirement," he commented. "They know each other well and there’s a huge amount of respect there. I’ve been party to some of their conversations. Jack is very comfortable saying his piece to Andy. It’s not a case of, 'Well, he’s a two-time Wimbledon champion, so I just need to listen.' He’ll push back. I think it will be a very productive relationship between the two of them, and I’m excited to see how it goes."

Christopher Eubanks was also intrigued to see how this relationship played out. "I’m super excited to see Draper add someone to the team — and for it to be Andy Murray makes it even more interesting. To me, it’s a bit poetic," he stated.

"Andy Murray was a British No. 1 who, early in his career, was very defensive and had a lot of success playing that way. But people kept telling him, 'You need to be more aggressive.' Then he brought Ivan Lendl onto his team at the age of 24, and Lendl helped change Murray’s mentality and encouraged him to play more aggressively. That’s when we saw Andy become world No. 1 and win Grand Slam titles."

This aggressive nature could now be implemented further on Draper who has taken strides in recent times to play like that on court, resembling the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. "Now Jack Draper is also 24 years old. Early in his career, he was a bit more defensive-minded and consistent, but over the past year or so he’s become much more aggressive. I think Murray is going to help develop that even further."

In conclusion, Eubanks was a firm believer that the relationship between the pair was strong and that they would make a very good team. "The dynamic between the two should be great — Murray has a huge amount of respect for Jack, and Jack obviously respects Andy enormously. I can’t wait to see what they do together on grass."