Andy Murray wants to spare Jack Draper from ‘really hard’ Wimbledon experience he went through

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Jack Draper is preparing to return to Wimbledon – and this time he’ll arrive as the British number one.

Draper’s rise over the past year has been remarkable. He has taken a Masters 1000 title, reached the US Open semi-finals and climbed into the world’s top four.

The Briton’s seeding may help him have an easier path at Wimbledon. Many fans expect him to reach the semi-finals on grass for the first time – and the legendary Andy Murray is concerned about not getting in the way of that scenario.

Andy Murray doesn’t want to add pressure over Jack Draper

Draper has only played the main draw five times, with just two wins so far, but his improvement over the past year has been clear.

His title hopes haven’t come out of nowhere. He’ll have support from two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, who understands better than anyone what it’s like to carry home expectations into SW19.

Two-time champion, Murray knows exactly what it’s like to shoulder that weight and play with a nation behind you. He’s aware of how public advice from former players or high-profile figures can add to the noise, and he doesn’t want to do it to Draper.

“I try to stay away from that,” he explained. “Because I just know from when I played Wimbledon the first few times that it was really hard when you had ex-British No 1s, or people that you’ve watched on the TV and looked up to, making public comments.

“And if I say, ‘this is what Jack should do’, I’m pretty sure that when he goes to Wimbledon, he will be getting told, ‘Andy said that you should do this’.

“And sometimes that advice is contrary to what your coach is telling you. But I would obviously speak to him and his coach privately.”

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Andy Murray backs Jack Draper to grow into Wimbledon role

Murray hasn’t been surprised by Draper’s rise. He saw the potential early on, and this season has only confirmed what he expected.

“I’m not surprised that he’s up there. I trained with him quite a bit when he was younger, and he’s very good. He has a brilliant game,” the former world number one said.

He also noted that injuries were the main thing holding Draper back in previous years, but now that he’s stayed healthy, his ranking reflects his ability.

“He just had lots of niggles and various injury issues. But this year he’s been fit for the majority of the season and his ranking is where it should be and where it deserves to be.”