Jack Draper hopes his coaching arrangement with Andy Murray and James Trotman can be for the long term after a year of disruption on and off court.
There has understandably been huge attention on Draper’s decision to hire three-time grand slam champion Murray as coach over the grass-court season.
But also on court with Draper as he reached the semi-finals on his comeback at Eastbourne last week was his long-time mentor Trotman.
The pair’s four-year partnership ended last October, with Draper hiring Murray’s former coach Jamie Delgado, but that arrangement only lasted six months – with Draper injured for the majority of it.
Draper told the Press Association: “It was a difficult one with Jamie because I stopped with Trots last year, Trots needed time away from it all, he was burnt out and needed a break.
“We went our separate ways and I always had an incredible relationship with Trots and it was very much his decision for that to stop.
“I really respected that because obviously the tour is tough for a player but also tough for someone who’s got a family and travelling and the stress of it.
“I was with Delgy for six months but I just felt like I always wanted Andy to be a part of my coaching set-up. I just wanted something a little bit different and it just seemed with the timing of everything and coming back, that Trots also could spend some time with me with his role within the LTA.
“I think him knowing me as well as he does, him working alongside Andy, they also have an amazing relationship for a long time, that’s been the best possible set-up for me in this period where things have been a bit uncertain and coming back to court and everything, that’s one area that has to be working really well and both of them have really been amazing.”
Trotman did not step away from coaching but reverted to working solely for the Lawn Tennis Association, and it remains to be seen how things will evolve with Draper from here.
Murray also does not want to travel anything like full-time with four young children at home but Draper is confident they can reach a solution.
“This is the start of me and Andy’s relationship and I think that will carry on,” he said.
“I think we both hope that’s going to carry on and I think Andy really believes in me as a player and he knows I can achieve really, really great things, so I’m looking forward to that.
“With Trots, that’s things we have to discuss, but I know that, if there’s anyone I want to work with, it’s those two.”
Draper’s form at Eastbourne was encouraging but he has his work cut out to go beyond the first round at Wimbledon after drawing sixth seed Taylor Fritz.
After changing his service action and strings in the spring to try to lessen the load on his left arm after almost seven months out with bone bruising, Draper has gone back to what he believes allows him to play his best tennis.
The 24-year-old has been focused on honing every area of his life to help him stay healthy after been forced off court again in the spring with a knee injury.
Draper has not yet picked Murray’s brains on dealing with the home pressure at Wimbledon but feels just having the 39-year-old lightens the load.
“I think having him around helps a lot,” Draper told a press conference. “Him just being here, not just now, but the last few weeks, has really helped my confidence.
“It’s not been an easy time at all. Him being around to help guide me through this period, get me back to being on court, get me back to competing, has been very, very special.
“Andy’s obviously dealt with an incredible amount throughout his career. I have huge admiration for what he’s done. I think it will be a great partnership.”
