July 2nd 2024.
Andy Murray spoke highly of British No.1 Jack Draper in an exclusive interview with The Agency. Murray, who unfortunately had to withdraw from his scheduled singles match at Wimbledon 2024 due to a back injury, urged British fans to rally behind Draper instead. The 37-year-old legend, who is nearing retirement from tennis, will continue to play in doubles with his brother Jamie Murray.
Murray's late withdrawal from his singles match has resulted in Draper's match against Elias Ymer being moved to Centre Court. Murray, who has known Draper for a long time and has played with him in the Davis Cup, believes that the 28th ranked player has a bright future ahead of him. Draper has been in top form recently, defeating Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club and winning his first ATP Tour title in Stuttgart.
"I've known Jack for a long time - he grew up near where I live," Murray said. "We've played together in the Davis Cup and I see him on the Tour. He's a really exciting player to watch and I think he's got a big future. It was a great win for him at Queens against Carlos Alcaraz. Beating the defending champion in the way that he did showed how well he is playing at the moment."
Murray believes that Draper has the potential to reach the top of the game and has urged the British crowds to support him in his absence. Wimbledon can be a high-pressure tournament for British players, but Murray has faith in Draper's abilities and hopes that he can do well.
The 2024 Championships marks Draper's first appearance at Wimbledon, after having to miss out on the previous year's tournament. He has been compared to a young Murray by tennis commentator Andrew Castle, who believes that Draper can go a long way in the sport.
"I remember Andy Murray here in 2005, and it is reminiscent of that," Castle said after Draper's win over Alcaraz at Queen's Club. "I think Jack can go a long way."
In an interview at the end of 2023, Draper opened up about the impact Murray has had on his career and his dreams of winning Wimbledon. Draper is aiming for a deep run at this year's Championships and is determined to improve and learn as much as he can before then.
"I have huge goals [in 2024] and for the Slams," Draper said. "I will especially be targeting Wimbledon. I couldn't play [in 2023] and it was really gutting for me. Watching Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the final and it all unfold put a massive fire in my belly that I want to go there in years to come and really put in great performances in front of a home crowd."
Draper believes that he has what it takes to follow in Murray's footsteps and become the next British champion at Wimbledon. He has a close relationship with Murray, who he considers a role model and has learned a lot from.
"Andy was, and still is, a huge role model," Draper said. "He is someone I really look up to. I definitely got the opportunity [to learn from him] when he hurt his hip. He was in the UK a little bit more and I was able to spend a lot of time with him, practice with him and become good friends with him. That was amazing and I learned a lot from him."
Draper also mentioned Murray's humility and resilience as some of the qualities he admires and has learned from. Despite achieving massive success in the sport, Murray remains humble and down-to-earth, which has left a lasting impression on Draper.
"From being on the Davis Cup team and on the ATP Tour a bit more, I have been around him a lot more," Draper said. "The thing Andy has taught me is that he is humble, achieved massive amounts in the sport, I think he is one of the greatest to ever do it, and he is very humble with it. You wouldn't know, he is just a normal guy. Also his resilience. Even with a metal hip, his consistency and competitive nature. He has got so many amazing qualities a young player can learn from."
In addition to his tennis career, Murray is also working with Vital Proteins collagen to aid in his physical recovery after matches.
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