Jack Draper has declared himself energised for his return at the Eastbourne International, citing the inspiration he draws from his coach, Andy Murray. The British number one is set to compete in the grass-court event as he builds towards Wimbledon.
Draper's Grass-Court Ambitions
Draper, who has been working with Murray since earlier this year, said the three-time Grand Slam champion's guidance has been invaluable. “Having Andy in my corner is incredible. He knows what it takes to win on grass, and his experience is something I lean on heavily,” Draper said in a pre-tournament press conference.
Injury Comeback
The 23-year-old missed the French Open due to a shoulder injury but has been training intensively on grass. He is eager to test his fitness in competitive matches. “I feel fresh and ready to go. The break was frustrating, but it gave me time to work on my game,” he added.
Eastbourne Draw
Draper is seeded third at Eastbourne and will face a qualifier in the first round. The tournament, held at Devonshire Park, features a strong field including defending champion Taylor Fritz and home favourite Cameron Norrie. Draper reached the quarterfinals here last year, losing to Max Purcell in three sets.
Murray's Influence
Murray, who retired after the Paris Olympics, has taken on a mentoring role with Draper. The Scot's tactical acumen and resilience are traits Draper hopes to emulate. “He pushes me in training and helps me stay calm in big moments. That’s exactly what I need,” Draper said.
Wimbledon Preparation
The Eastbourne tournament serves as a key warm-up for Wimbledon, which begins on 29 June. Draper is aiming to improve on his second-round exit last year. “I want to go deep at Wimbledon. Every match on grass counts,” he said.
