Johanna Konta says Andy Murray's experience puts Jack Draper in good position going into Wimbledon - 'What an incredible opportunity'
Published 26/06/2026 at 23:14 GMT+1
React to this story
Former British No. 1 and TNT Sports expert Johanna Konta believes that two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray’s experience at the iconic tournament could prove to be invaluable for Jack Draper in SW19.
'One of my biggest inspirations' - Draper thanks Murray for joining coaching team
Video credit: SNTV
Draper has struggled for form over the last 12 months following a series of fitness concerns, falling to a 7-5 6-3 defeat against Ugo Humbert in the semi-finals at Eastbourne on Friday.
He has added the two-time Wimbledon winner as an adviser and coach ahead of this year’s tournament, where he is scheduled to go head-to-head with world No. 7 Taylor Fritz in the first round.
Konta believes that only a handful of legends have the wealth of experience that Murray has on the biggest stages in tennis.
”The wealth of experience that Andy will come with, you can think of three other players, recent players, who would be of that kind of calibre in terms of experience,” Konta said.
”So I think, for me, if nothing else, just being in his presence, hearing his perspective on situations on court, hearing his view on things, what an incredible opportunity.
”So, I don't think it's necessarily about coach, quote-unquote, for him, I think it is just an incredible opportunity to have a mentor like him.
- Williams discovers opponent for Wimbledon opener as Raducanu and Draper get tricky draws
- Refreshed Sinner plots Wimbledon charge as he aims for another major triumph
”And I think to have someone like him to guide you and just offer you information. I think just the wealth of information is what's spectacular in this situation for me.”
Draper reached a career-high of fourth in the ATP World Rankings back in June 2025, but he has endured a difficult 12 months since.
He is now the world No. 160, but Konta says that Murray could be part of a package that sees the Briton return to the highest level.
”I'm never a believer in lightbulb movements,” Konta said.
”I've never been a believer in the idea that you bring this one person in and then suddenly, you know, everything is fixed. I think it's much more intricate than that.
”Do I think that Andy's presence will continue to build Jack's level, build his ability as a player, build his mindset, build his physical capability, and will it add value to Jack as a player? 100%.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/16/image-9689fea3-3bb0-4bc9-ab22-0c6f865f14b4-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'The main reason I decided to play tennis' - Gauff on Williams influence
Video credit: SNTV
”And will that, in turn, give Jack more of an opportunity to make deep runs in big events? 100%.
”So, framing it that way, I believe that evolution of and sequence of events is very much possible.”
Raducanu needs to find a way
Draper is not the only home player who will be hoping to turn the tide in SW19.
Emma Raducanu reached her first final since her iconic triumph at the 2021 US Open at the 2026 Queen's Club Championships.
However, she was beaten by Donna Vekic and has struggled with an injury since, reportedly missing training on Thursday as a result.
Raducanu will go head-to-head with Croatia's Antonia Ruzic in her opening match at Wimbledon, and Konta believes her run at Queen’s proves she is still capable of competing at a great level.
”I think for me, I am just hoping that she is able to come out and deal with whatever difficulties that she has been facing,” Konta said.
”I’m hoping that she finds a way. Not necessarily that that will mean that she will do unbelievably well, but just so for herself that she feels like she is dealing with the challenges at hand.
”So, I mean, I think the fact that she made the final of Queen's, I think we are seeing that she's able to produce a good level, a great level.
”And so I think, more than anything, I am just hopeful that she is able to keep investing her time, keep investing her energy in the work that she's doing, with her coach.
”If she's really believing in the process of the work that they're doing and the more she's able to stay present, I feel like the more then she's going to be able to find that right frame of mind to be able to deal with the challenges that are at hand for her.”
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Enjoy daily highlights from Wimbledon 2026 on tntsports.co.uk and the TNT Sports app, plus watch and stream highlights each evening and the men's and women's singles finals live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement