Lexus Eastbourne Open 2026: “I’m pumped to be back” - Jack Draper on his return from injury & teaming up with Andy Murray
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Britain’s Jack Draper is gearing up for his first tournament in over two months as he heads to the south coast eager to make a strong return at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
It’s been almost 10 weeks since the former world No.4 was last in ATP Tour action, with the 24-year-old sidelined by a knee injury that ruled him out of the majority of the clay court swing.
Now, just days out from his comeback, Draper is relishing the chance to compete again in Eastbourne, where he is set to make his first appearance at the ATP 250 event in four years.
“I feel good. I’m very excited to be back at a tournament again, especially Eastbourne,” Draper said. “I haven’t played here in four years now so I’m really happy to be back.
“I think it was the week I broke top-100 (in 2022). I remember playing (Jenson) Brooksby in the first round and I had a really good win against (Diego) Schwartzman. I ended up losing to (Maxime) Cressey, but I really loved the atmosphere. Seaside town – it’s a great tournament.”
It’s been a difficult 12 months for Draper, who has battled injuries and, as a result, has only competed in five tournaments since being forced to withdraw ahead of his second round match at the US Open last August.
The 24-year-old returned at the Davis Cup Qualifiers in February, before reaching the quarter-finals at Indian Wells. However, just as he looked to build momentum, a knee injury sustained in the first match at the Barcelona Open in April proved another setback.
Now fully recovered and ready to return to action on the ATP Tour, the former US Open semi-finalist is keeping his expectations measured, focusing on enjoying his return to competition.
“I’ve been injured for a long time. A lot of setbacks, a lot of struggle. Especially in this last year. But I’ve kept on going, kept working really hard and I’m just pumped to be back at a tournament to be honest.
“I’m going to give my all like I always do on a match court. To be here, to be feeling good in my body, to be ready and able to compete, let’s see what happens.”
It’s safe to say all eyes will be on Draper in Eastbourne – not just because of his return, but also due to it marking his first tournament with new coach Andy Murray in his corner.
The former world No.1 was brought into Draper’s team last month and the two have been putting in extensive work on the practice court ahead of the grass court swing.
Having grown up idolising Murray, Draper later shared the court with him both as opponents and as teammates, forming a part of the Lexus GB Davis Cup team for the 2023 Group Stages in Manchester. Now, the dynamic has shifted, with Murray stepping into a coaching and mentor role – something that Draper is clearly embracing.
“Andy is amazing to be honest,” Draper added. “I have a great relationship with him off the court but on the court, there’s not many people more knowledgeable than Andy. He’s been an amazing support to me.
To have him believing in me and my tennis, and backing me to do well means the world to me. He’s been outstanding.
“I don’t think anyone can understand what it’s like (having injuries) until you’ve gone through it. Andy obviously has been through so much in his career – many setbacks, many injuries, many adversities, but he always came through them.
"He was incredibly good at coming back and showing what he’s all about. Having him in my corner has been great from that aspect as well.
“It’s nice that he believes in my tennis and it’s about the progress. It’s about the journey. It’s not about one or two tournaments, it’s what I’m doing on the practice court every day, especially after my injuries. To keep progressing, to keep developing my game for the long term.
“He’s really tried to instil that in me in this period when I’ve maybe been a bit impatient.”
For Draper, there feels like no better place to get started again than on home turf. The three-time ATP titleholder will be hoping for a strong start to his grass court campaign, ahead of the third Grand Slam of the season at Wimbledon in just over a week’s time.
Now ranked 113 in the world, Draper could face a stern challenge in HSBC Championships semi-finalist Brandon Nakashima in the opening round – but his focus remains on getting vital match time under his belt and soaking up every second of competing in front of a home crowd once again.
“This grass court season I just want to get out there and compete again. It’s been many weeks and months now doing the same thing, trying to get my body to cooperate, get back on the match court and I’ve earnt that right now.
“I’m here to compete, and I’m focused on winning the match and doing the best I can. But there’s nothing like competing in front of people. It’s a feeling you miss. It makes me complete when I’m doing that.
How to watch Jack Draper at the Lexus Eastbourne Open
You can watch Draper, as well as a host of British and international stars, in action at the Lexus Eastbourne Open live and exclusively on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport, as well as on the Tennis Channel.
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