Two years after hanging up his racket, Andy Murray is preparing to return to Wimbledon's Centre Court coaching box, this time seated, not scaling a commentary booth roof to celebrate with his team as he famously did after his historic 2013 title.
The 39-year-old Scot has joined Jack Draper's coaching team for the grass-court season, a move that surprised many given Murray had publicly stated in April that he wasn't ready to return to coaching. Just one month later, Draper made the announcement, and Murray has now explained exactly what shifted his thinking.
After stepping away from his stint guiding eight-time major champion Novak Djokovic, Murray said several coaching opportunities emerged but none appealed. The key issue was simple: being on the road and away from wife Kim and their four children wasn't something he was willing to sacrifice. Draper's approach, however, was different enough to reconsider. "When Jack asked me, I thought about it, spoke to my wife and told Jack that I'd love to help him," Murray told BBC Sport.
The partnership mirrors the legendary dynamic Murray shared with Ivan Lendl, the super-coach arrangement that helped him capture his three Grand Slam titles. Murray has long been an informal mentor to the 24-year-old Draper, who is currently working his way back from injury and competing at Eastbourne this week ahead of Wimbledon.
Murray was also candid about Serena Williams' potential comeback, saying he wasn't surprised by the news, though his exact words on the matter suggest quiet admiration for a fellow champion refusing to walk away quietly.
TennisDraw users listing Draper as a dark-horse Wimbledon contender will certainly be watching this coaching partnership with extra interest.
