Jack Draper celebrated the biggest win of his career after triumphing at the Indian Wells Open on Sunday. The 23-year-old has won two other singles titles but the event in California was Draper’s first victory at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
The new world No.6 became the top British men’s player last year and is best placed to replicate Andy Murray’s Grand Slam success following his retirement at the Paris Olympics. Draper showcased his quality by reaching the US Open semi-finals in September. This passing of the torch has led to questions about Murray possibly teaming up with Draper as his coach in the future. The two British tennis stars already have a close bond after spending plenty of time together on the court.
Draper on Murray coaching
In November, it was announced that Murray would coach fellow tennis icon Novak Djokovic. After it became clear that Murray would remain involved in the sport, Draper was asked if he would welcome the Scotsman to his coaching team.
“Let’s see what happens down the line. Whoever Andy coaches, whether it is Novak Djokovic or someone of a lesser standard, he will give so much to what that player has and he will study them and he will give advice,” Draper said.
“I have definitely asked him about my game in the past and he has always been amazing with analysing my play. He has got such a big tennis brain. Whatever he brings to any team will have a really positive impact. And I think his personality as well, the way he is, he is fun to be around.
“Yeah, we will see what happens down the line in the future. Right now, I am happy with my current set-up but it is really exciting to see him come back to tennis and feel like he wants to be part of it.”
Andy Murray claim
Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray is well aware of Draper’s potential to compete at the very top of the sport. After Draper won his first ATP title in Stuttgart last June, Murray concluded that the 23-year-old would pay little attention to being the new British No.1, with his ambition being to top the world rankings – demonstrating Draper’s true colours and what really motivates him.
“Jack, I think, has bigger goals to aspire to than being British number one,” Murray said soon after Draper’s win in Germany.
Draper agreed and admitted that he had not even been aware of the possibility ahead of his victory in the final. However, that does not mean Draper isn’t eager to emulate Murray’s successful career.
“To follow in Andy’s footsteps, it’s a big achievement for me,” Draper told BBC Sport during his impressive run at the US Open. “I know that there’s still room for improvement and still room to hopefully go further.”
Private calls
Murray may not be Draper’s coach, but the young tennis star still looks to the 37-year-old for guidance. Draper revealed that the two-time Wimbledon champion has always been happy to answer any questions he has about improving his game.
“When he got injured, I was coming up and I was able to practice with him a lot,” Draper told BBC Sport. “As I’ve got older, I’ve been able to become good friends with him, practice a lot, joke around, and really get to know the person he is outside of the tennis player. When I have a question, I often pick up the phone and I will speak to Andy and get his advice on things.”
While Murray was still weighing up his options, he admitted that players closer to home could tempt him into coaching. “I want to spend time with my family and see my kids growing up as that’s something you miss when you are on the road and the last few years when you have been away for three or four weeks at a time I have found that difficult,” he explained to Eurosport.
“But with all the British players when I’m at home I will try to help, whenever I can if any of them wanted to I would try my best to make that happen. It is a big commitment to coach if you want to do it properly and I want to ensure I do it properly.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk