Jack Draper has declared himself energised for his return to competitive tennis at the Eastbourne International, citing the inspiration he draws from his coach, Andy Murray. The British No. 2, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, is set to make his comeback at the ATP 250 event on the south coast.
Draper's Comeback After Injury Layoff
Draper, 24, has not played since retiring from his second-round match at the French Open last month due to a shoulder problem. The injury forced him to miss the entire grass-court season leading up to Wimbledon, including the Queen's Club Championships. However, he has been given a wildcard entry into Eastbourne, where he will hope to build momentum ahead of the All England Club Championships.
“I feel really good. I’ve been training hard and my shoulder is feeling strong again,” Draper said in a press conference. “It’s been frustrating being out, but I’ve used the time to work on other aspects of my game and get mentally ready. I’m excited to be back on court.”
Murray's Influence on Draper's Approach
Draper revealed that his coach, three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, has been a significant source of motivation. Murray himself has battled numerous injuries throughout his career, including hip resurfacing surgery, and has made multiple comebacks. “Watching Andy go through what he has and still compete at the highest level is incredible,” Draper said. “He’s taught me a lot about resilience and how to handle setbacks. I’m lucky to have him in my corner.”
The pair began working together in early 2025, and Draper has credited Murray with helping him refine his tactical approach and mental fortitude. According to Draper, Murray's experience has been invaluable: “He knows what it takes to come back from injury and win big matches. That insight is something I lean on heavily.”
Eastbourne as a Springboard for Wimbledon
Eastbourne, which runs from June 22-28, will be Draper's only grass-court preparation before Wimbledon, where he reached the fourth round last year. He is seeded third in the tournament and will face a qualifier or lucky loser in his opening match. Draper expressed confidence in his ability to perform immediately: “I feel I can hit the ground running. The grass is a surface I love, and I’ve done well on it before. Eastbourne is a great event, and I want to make the most of it.”
According to tournament director Gavin Fletcher, Draper's presence adds significant star power to the draw. “Jack is a fantastic talent, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to start his grass-court season here. We know the fans will be excited to see him play,” Fletcher said.
Injury Concerns and Future Prospects
Draper’s shoulder injury has been a recurring issue, but he insists it is now fully healed. “I’ve had scans and done all the rehab. There’s no pain, and I’m moving freely. It’s about managing the workload now,” he explained. Should he perform well at Eastbourne, Draper could see his ranking rise from its current position of No. 32, potentially earning a seeding at Wimbledon.
Murray, who is also competing at Eastbourne, will face Draper only if they meet in the latter stages. The two have practised together extensively, and Murray has praised Draper’s work ethic: “Jack has a huge game. If he stays healthy, he can be a top player. I’m just trying to help him avoid some of the mistakes I made.”
Draper’s return is timely for British tennis, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. With Murray in the twilight of his career and Emma Raducanu leading the women’s side, Draper represents the next generation. “I don’t feel pressure,” Draper said. “I just want to play my game and enjoy it. The results will come if I do the right things.”
What to Expect at Eastbourne
The Eastbourne International features a strong field, including defending champion Taylor Fritz and former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev. Draper is drawn in the same half as Fritz, setting up a potential quarterfinal clash. The tournament is known for its intimate atmosphere and serves as a key warm-up for Wimbledon.
Draper’s first match is scheduled for Tuesday, and he is eager to test his fitness. “I’ve done everything I can in practice. Now it’s time to compete. I can’t wait to get out there,” he concluded.
