Boom! The Centre Court coaching box is set for a thrilling return, courtesy of none other than British tennis icon Andy Murray. After two years in retirement from professional tennis, Murray is trading his racket for a whistle as part of fellow Briton Jack Draper's coaching team for the upcoming grass-court season. This unexpected shift in his post-playing career path has got fans and pundits alike buzzing with excitement.
Murray, who famously scaled the stands to celebrate his 2013 Wimbledon victory like a kid on Christmas morning, will now be offering guidance from the sidelines – not as a player, but as a trusted mentor. The 39-year-old had previously expressed in April that he wasn't ready to return to coaching, having enjoyed quality time with his family and pursuing other passions like golf since his stint with Novak Djokovic ended. However, an approach from 24-year-old Draper – whom Murray has informally mentored for years – was the spark needed to ignite a fire in his coaching belly.
Explaining his decision in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Murray stated, "After I stopped working with Novak, I had a number of opportunities to coach again. I had no interest in being on the road and away from my family." He clarified that while he didn't dislike coaching, he didn't enjoy it more than being at home, where his heart was. However, Draper's request prompted a discussion with his wife, Kim, leading him to accept the offer to help – and what an offer it is! Murray is expected to fulfil a 'super-coach' role, akin to the dynamic he shared with Ivan Lendl during his Grand Slam-winning era.
The focus of this partnership will be on assisting Draper, a former world number four, in his recovery and return to consistent competition. Draper has faced a series of fitness issues over the past year, impacting his standing in the men's game. He is set to begin his latest comeback at Eastbourne this week, aiming to prove his fitness ahead of Wimbledon. Murray, who also battled physical problems early in his career, expressed optimism for the long-term potential of the collaboration, stating, "I think Jack's a brilliant player... But right now the focus is on trying to get him back competing consistently again."
Murray also touched upon the return of Serena Williams to the Grand Slam stage at Wimbledon, expressing little surprise after a conversation with her at last year's Miami Open. He recounted Williams expressing, "Yes, I miss it every single day. I absolutely loved competing, love playing. If I could, I'd be back out there again," in contrast to his own feeling of not missing playing. When questioned about a potential playing comeback for himself at 44, Murray smiled wryly, "As much as I would love to, I don't think I'd physically be capable of doing that. I haven't missed the sport enough yet to want to get on the court and even hit tennis balls."
Source: BBC Sport