Andy Murray: Two-time Wimbledon champion on coaching Jack Draper, Serena Williams’ comeback and keeping busy in retirement

It was never thought Murray would be away from tennis for long – but his planned return to the All England Club with Draper this summer remains a surprise.

In the 12 months since he stopped coaching former rival Novak Djokovic, the 39-year-old has been enjoying life outside tennis, spending time with wife Kim and their four children, as well as improving his golf game and diversifying his business interests.

In April, Murray said he was not ready to return to coaching. A month later, Draper announced that he had added his childhood idol to his team.

The Scot has long served as an unofficial mentor both on and off the pitch to the 24-year-old, who can forget his role as the scrappy driver. Draper sang as they drove home, external from their Davis Cup win in 2023 – but the timing of their partnership was unexpected.

So what changed for Murray?

“After I stopped working with Novak, I had many opportunities to coach again,” he explained.

“I wasn’t interested in being on the road and away from my family.

“It’s not that I didn’t love coaching, I just didn’t enjoy being at home with my family more.

“When Jack asked me, I thought about it, talked to my wife, and told Jack I would be happy to help him.”

Murray essentially fulfills the role of a ‘super coach’; This is similar to the dynamic he had with eight-time major champion Ivan Lendl, who won him three Grand Slam titles.

For the past few weeks, Draper and Murray have been working out on the training courts at the National Tennis Center in London as Draper recovers from his fitness problems.

Former world number four Draper lost his place at the top of the men’s team following a series of injuries last year, but he begins his final comeback in Eastbourne this week as he looks to prove his fitness for Wimbledon.

Murray, who also suffered physical problems in the early part of his career, hopes the partnership will be a long-term venture.

“I think Jack is a fantastic player. There’s no doubt that when he gets back on the field he will perform well and win games at the highest level,” Murray said.

“But our focus right now is to make sure he can compete consistently again.”