Jack Draper steps back onto the competitive stage today at the Eastbourne Open, marking his first match in over two months following an injury nightmare that's seen his world ranking tumble from fourth to 113.
The 24-year-old faces American Brandon Nakashima, seeded fifth at Devonshire Park, in what promises to be an emotional return for the former British number one.
It's been a brutal 11 months for Draper, who last played at the Barcelona Open in mid-April before retiring against Tomas Etcheverry with knee tendonitis.
That setback came hot on the heels of a seven-month absence caused by bone bruising in his left arm.
Jack Draper has hired Andy Murray as a coach ahead of Wimbledon
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But there's a fresh face in Draper's corner for this grass-court campaign – two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, who's taken on his first coaching role since parting ways with Novak Djokovic in May.
Murray has already made his mark, implementing biomechanical tweaks to Draper's serve that could prove crucial for his long-term fitness.
"I went to a platform serve, because I've always had a good serve, always had a good step-up serve, but, technically, I was using my arm way too much. I wasn't using my legs," Draper explained.
The changes feel particularly significant given Draper nearly required surgery on his arm back in 2023 due to a subscapularis rupture – making two major arm problems uncommon for any player.
Draper has been refreshingly honest about the mental toll of his injury struggles, admitting he was "absolutely not" mentally OK during the past year.
Jack Draper will work with Andy Murray throughout the grass-court season
| GETTY"It's been an incredibly difficult year," he said. "I'm someone who's all-in with my tennis. I'm obsessed with improving and getting better and being the best in the world."
He described the unique cruelty of tennis injuries, where there's no substitute to step in while you recover.
"It's like you're watching your decline," he said.
But Draper is adamant this period won't define him.
"I've had a lot of injuries but I'm not an injured athlete, I don't believe I'm an injured athlete – I'm a strong athlete."
Murray's presence is providing exactly the boost Draper needs as Wimbledon looms on the horizon.
"His tennis knowledge is incredible," Draper said of his new coach. "Having someone who believes in you as a person, as a player who's one of your biggest inspirations... our relationship is very special."
Wimbledon gets underway on June 29
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Murray himself has been impressed by what he's seen in training sessions, describing Draper's tennis as "b***y good" and noting he's a more complete player than expected.
The Scot has been clear about balancing coaching with family life, but remains open to extending their partnership beyond the grass-court season.
For Draper, that faith means everything right now.
"It gives me a big boost!"