**Jack Draper Delights Queen’s Crowd with Witty Murray Remark and Sets Sights on Wimbledon Success**
Jack Draper produced a commanding performance at the Queen’s Club Championships on Tuesday, defeating American Jenson Brooksby in just 77 minutes to reach the tournament’s round of 16. Yet, it was not just his clinical tennis that had spectators talking, but also his sharp wit when speaking about British tennis stalwart Andy Murray.
Following his 6-3, 6-1 victory on the court recently renamed the ‘Andy Murray Arena,’ Draper was asked what it meant to secure his first win there. With the crowd hanging on his response, the 23-year-old couldn’t resist a playful dig at Murray, quipping, “Can’t get rid of this guy!” The comment drew widespread laughter and set a jovial tone in the arena, highlighting the friendly bond between the rising star and the three-time Grand Slam champion.
Draper, who moves on to face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the next round, went on to praise Murray more seriously, citing him as a major inspiration throughout his career. “Andy is an unbelievable guy,” Draper remarked. “He’s someone I’m incredibly inspired by. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.” Such comments reflect the high regard in which Murray is held among the new generation of British players.
The relationship between Draper and Murray has been a frequent subject of discussion, especially amid suggestions that the Scottish legend could transition into coaching in the near future. Following Murray’s recent split from collaboration with Novak Djokovic, speculation has mounted over whether Murray might take on a mentoring role with an up-and-coming British player—Draper being an obvious candidate. Draper teased this possibility further, telling reporters, “Maybe I’ll see him soon.”
Reflecting on his own early memories, Draper recalled attending Queen’s as a youngster and watching Murray achieve victory after victory. Now competing for major honours himself, Draper is clearly motivated to emulate the successes of his predecessor. “This court deserves to be named after you, for sure,” he added, underlining Murray’s lasting impact on British tennis.
Tuesday’s match was a showcase of Draper’s growing maturity and composure on court. Despite soaring temperatures, Draper managed the conditions expertly, applying ice to his neck during changeovers and never once allowing Brooksby a break of serve. His focus and tactical acumen were evident throughout—traits for which Murray was also renowned in his prime.
For Draper, a strong run at Queen’s could provide the springboard needed ahead of Wimbledon, Britain’s most prestigious tennis event, which begins at the end of the month. Despite reaching a career-high fourth in the ATP world rankings this season and boasting a major win at Indian Wells, Draper has yet to move past the second round at his home Grand Slam, making the next few weeks crucial for his ambitions.
This season has already seen Draper reach the finals of the Qatar Open and Madrid Open, further establishing himself among the elite. Though he slipped back to sixth in the world after Taylor Fritz’s triumph in Stuttgart, the Londoner remains one of Britain’s brightest hopes for Grand Slam glory.
As the grass-court season intensifies, Draper’s blend of humility, humour and determination continues to win fans both on and off the court. With the eyes of the tennis world watching, and perhaps Andy Murray lending a guiding hand in the future, Jack Draper is making a persuasive case that British tennis is in very capable hands.