Andy Murray shares his thoughts on Jack Draper as the British number one prepares to play at Wimbledon.
For the first time in his career, the 23-year-old will play at his home Grand Slam with the hope and expectation of going on a deep run.
Over the past 10 months Draper has won a Masters 1000 title, reached the US Open semi-finals and entered the world’s top four.
As a result Jack Draper has a top four seeding at the Championships next week, which may boost his chances of reaching his first semi-final at SW19.
What does Andy Murray want to avoid doing with Jack Draper?
Draper will aim to win his first Grand Slam title when he competes at Wimbledon for the fourth time in his career.
He is still relatively inexperienced at the tournament, with just five main draw appearances to his name and just two victories so far.
But Draper has made vast improvements and positioned himself as a contender for the title in 2025. He will be supported by two-time champion Andy Murray, who knows exactly what it feels to play in a home Slam and feel the expectation from the nation.
Therefore, Murray is careful about giving Draper advice in public in an attempt not to add pressure on the world number four’s shoulders.
“I try to stay away from that,” Murray told The Guardian when asked if he would give Draper any advice in an open forum.
“Because I just know from when I played Wimbledon the first few times that it was really hard when you had ex-British No 1s, or people that you’ve watched on the TV and looked up to, making public comments.
“And if I say, ‘this is what Jack should do’, I’m pretty sure that when he goes to Wimbledon, he will be getting told, ‘Andy said that you should do this’.
“And sometimes that advice is contrary to what your coach is telling you. But I would obviously speak to him and his coach privately.”
Andy Murray comments on Jack Draper’s game and level of play
Murray has a keen eye on the current crop of British tennis players and Draper leads the way on the ATP Tour.
The 38-year-old was around to see Draper’s progress in his younger years and he knew he had a bright future.
Ahead of what has the potential to be a special Wimbledon campaign for Draper, Murray praised the progress he has made.
“I’m not surprised that he’s up there. I trained with him quite a bit when he was younger, and he’s very good. He has a brilliant game,” the former world number one said.
“He’s a big guy, lefty, with a big forehand and a really consistent backhand. He also moves really well for a big guy.
“He just had lots of niggles and various injury issues. But this year he’s been fit for the majority of the season and his ranking is where it should be and where it deserves to be.”
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