In a recent interview with The Telegraph, British tennis player Jack Draper shared his thoughts on why his fellow countryman, Andy Murray, found it difficult to retire from professional tennis. Draper, who himself has been dealing with hip issues, empathized with Murray’s struggle, noting that tennis pros often find it challenging to transition to life after the sport.
Draper explained, “I’ve started to understand now why Andy [Murray] struggled to leave the sport. As tennis players, we’re chasing something the whole time, we’re busy with that dopamine hit of winning and playing and traveling. It’s not real life. So when you go back to not having a lot of stuff on, it’s kind of like, ‘I’ve got another six hours till the end of the day. What am I going to do? Watch some TV?'”
Draper’s observation comes at a time when Murray has surprisingly joined forces with Novak Djokovic as his coach for the 2025 season. This unexpected partnership has raised eyebrows in the tennis community, but Draper believes he understands Murray’s motivation. “It’s obviously a shock that he [Murray] is going to be with Djokovic [as a coach for at least the start of the new season], but I can understand that he probably wants that buzz again. I’m definitely wired a little bit that way, as well. I suppose the sport wires you to be that way.”
Murray, who retired after the 2024 Paris Olympics, has had a storied career with three major titles, 41 weeks as the World No. 1, and over $64 million in prize money earnings. Despite his achievements, the transition to retirement has been anything but smooth. Draper’s comments highlight the psychological challenges that athletes face when they step away from the sport they have dedicated their lives to.
As Draper continues to rise in the tennis ranks, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 15 in 2024, he remains mindful of the mental toll that the sport can take. His insights into Murray’s decision to coach Djokovic offer a unique perspective on the complexities of life after tennis.
Jack Draper in 2024
Now ranked no.15 (career-high), Jack played his last match on the 31st of October when he lost to world no.9 Alex De Minaur 5-7 6-2 6-3 in the 3rd round in Paris (draw).
This season the Brit has an overall 39-22 match record. Jack conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Stuttgart and Vienna. The Brit reached the final in Adelaide.