Andy Murray returns to tennis as Jack Draper's coach

Andy Murray, who had been away from tennis for 18 months after coaching his former rival Novak Djokovic, has unexpectedly returned to the sport by joining British player Jack Draper as his coach. The partnership was announced in May, just a month after Murray said he was not ready to return to coaching.

Now 39, Murray explained that after working with Djokovic, he had several coaching opportunities but had no interest in being on the road away from his family. However, when Draper—who had grown up idolizing Murray—asked for his help, Murray reconsidered after discussing it with his wife.

Murray had already been an informal mentor to the 24-year-old, most famously playing the role of a grumpy driver while Draper sang in the car after a Davis Cup win in 2023. Now he serves as a 'super-coach', similar to the role Ivan Lendl once played for Murray, helping him win three Grand Slam titles.

Draper, a former world number four, has struggled with various injuries over the past year and lost his top ranking. He begins his latest comeback at Eastbourne this week to prove his fitness for Wimbledon. Murray hopes the partnership will be long-term, focusing on getting Draper back to consistent high-level competition.

Regarding Serena Williams' return to Wimbledon, Murray said he is "not too surprised" after a conversation with her at last year's Miami Open, where she admitted she missed competing every day. However, Murray himself has no plans for a playing comeback at age 44, saying he wouldn't be physically capable.

Since retiring from playing, Murray has focused on golf—aiming to become a scratch player—padel, and running a hotel with his wife Kim. He also enjoys helping his six-year-old son with chess and staying up late to watch Scotland at football tournaments.