Jack Draper has been on the rise in 2025, having won his maiden Masters title in Indian Wells back in March. While he has continued to show consistency, the British No.1 has found himself struggling with his own fitness. “It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff,” he had said on his decision to retire from the US Open last month due to a chronic arm issue. Later, he decided to end the season early to make a proper recovery. Now, Draper has announced another big update before entering the next year.

Who is Jack Draper’s new coach, Jamie Delgado? His coaching background

The current World No.8 is set to make a transition in his team with a new coach. The 23-year-old has appointed Jamie Delgado as his trainer going into the 2026 season. For the uninitiated, Delgado is the former coach of British ATP Andy Murray. He helped the former World No.1 clinch his second Wimbledon title back in 2016. The 48-year-old stayed with Murray till 2021.

Delgado is a former British ATP pro who represented his country in the Davis Cup. Moreover, he holds the all-time record (among ATP players) to compete in consecutive Wimbledon events. Delgado participated in 23-straight editions of the grass major till the age of 37 before his retirement in 2014. In 2001, he reached his best career ranking of 121.

Before joining Draper, Delgado was working with Bulgaria’s star tennis pro Grigor Dimitrov. However, they recently split up after three years of collaboration. Under Delgado, Dimitrov managed to break into the top 10 last season.

When it comes to Draper hiring a member of Murray’s camp, Delgado is not the first one. In fact, he is the third person from Murray’s team to join the 23-year-old. Previously, the Brit collaborated with Matt Little as his fitness trainer and Shane Annun as the physio. Technically, it will feel more like a reunion for Delgado to meet Shane Annun and Little after their tenure together with Murray.

Why did Jack Draper choose Delgado now?

The main reason for Jack Draper to hire Jamie Delgado is to gain guidance to pave the way to the top of the rankings. He is known to have elevated Murray’s career back in the day, assisting him to a second Wimbledon trophy nearly a decade ago.

Draper has made great strides in the last year. In 2024, he reached the US Open semis before winning a maiden Masters trophy in Indian Wells this season. In June, he achieved a career-best ranking of No.4. However, the Brit clearly knows that in order to surpass the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, he needs someone who can guide him, hopefully, to the No.1 position in the long run.

The youngster’s consistency has been the main issue, especially at the slams. For example, at Wimbledon in July, Draper failed to move past the second round after struggling against veteran Marin Cilic. “I think the hole in my forehand showed up,” he said after the loss. “I wasn’t able to deal with his pace of ball into my forehand. I was overspinning a lot.”

How will this affect Draper’s team and setup?

Before Delgado’s arrival, James Trotman was Jack Draper’s main coach. In fact, the 46-year-old former British tennis icon is still on his team. But he doesn’t want to travel more with Draper on the tour. He is trying to spend more time with his family. Hence, this explains decision to bring another coach with Delgado’s name being added to the list eventually.

The challenges and expectations ahead

Jack Draper’s main goal with Jamie Delgado will be to reach the top spot in the rankings. Currently, he is sitting in eighth position. Also, he would like to deliver consistency in making deep runs in subsequent events. Although his unfortunate injuries might pose problems. The arm issue, due to which he announced an early end to the 2025 season, is yet to get better.

Speaking of their training session, Draper and Delgado will be seen working together on the practice court in November. It will be part of their pre-season preparations. He aims to be in form for the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, an exhibition event in December. It is set to take place in London, at the Copper Box Arena. Moving forward, it will be intriguing to see how the next season, under Delgado, fares for the British No.1.