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Jack Draper spoke about the impact former world number one Andy Murray has had since joining his team last month.
The three-time Grand Slam singles champion has been putting Draper through extensive work on the practice court in recent weeks as they prepare for his return to the grass court swing and, in particular, ahead of Wimbledon.
Idolising Murray as a youngster, the 24-year-old had the opportunity to share the court with him – as opponents and as team-mates – but now he has him as a mentor with Draper ready for his first competitive match in nearly two months.
Suffering a number of injuries in 12 months and having countless setbacks in recent months, Draper feels Murray’s experience of those in his career can help him overcome the challenges of his own and is excited to have him in his corner.
“Andy is amazing to be honest,” Draper added. “I have a great relationship with him off the court but on the court, there’s not many people more knowledgeable than Andy. He’s been an amazing support to me.
“I don’t think anyone can understand what it’s like (having injuries) until you’ve gone through it. Andy obviously has been through so much in his career – 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. Having him in my corner has been great from that aspect as well.”
Draper will make his comeback this week at the Lexus Eastbourne Open and will face American Brandon Nakashmita in the first round.
Also, set to be his first tournament with Murray as his coach, the current British number two is focusing more on the journey with his new coach than the immediate results on the grass court swing.
“It’s nice that he believes in my tennis and it’s about the progress. It’s about the journey. It’s not about one or two tournaments, it’s 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 instil that in me in this period when I’ve maybe been a bit impatient.”
