Jack Draper’s meteoric rise in the world of tennis has been nothing short of impressive. Following a dominant run in Madrid, where he reached his first clay-court final at one of the sport’s biggest tournaments, Draper has firmly established himself as one of the most well-rounded and complete players of his generation. His strength, precision, and aggressive game have made him a formidable opponent, and his rivals have all been quick to acknowledge the qualities that make him such a force on the court.
In his encounters with top players like Tallon Griekspoor and Lorenzo Musetti, Draper’s relentless aggression and ability to dictate play stood out. His wicked topspin forehand and a destructive first serve have been particularly effective in putting his opponents under constant pressure. Even Casper Ruud, who triumphed in the Madrid Open final, admitted to being “scared” by the quality of Draper’s shots. These assessments reflect Draper’s growth not just as a player but also as a competitor capable of competing at the highest level.
One of the key aspects of Draper’s success has been his continuous evolution, both physically and mentally. As a younger player, Draper often found himself hindered by anxiety and a desperate drive to perform. However, with time, he has learned to channel his nerves into a positive force. His maturity has enabled him to approach his matches with calm and confidence, and he now looks forward to the moments before each match, when he can focus and mentally prepare himself for battle. Draper believes that uncertainty and fear push him to compete hard for every point, knowing that anything can happen in a match. This mindset, coupled with the right preparation, has made him a dangerous competitor.
In addition to his mental growth, Draper’s physical transformation has been pivotal. Having struggled with injuries in his formative years, he has worked tirelessly to overcome these setbacks. The decision to bring on Andy Murray’s strength and conditioning coach, Matt Little, and physio Shane Annun has paid dividends. Draper credits Little’s attention to detail and ability to strengthen him as a complete athlete, while Annun’s extensive experience with elite tennis players has helped keep him in top physical condition. The dynamic between the two has been invaluable, allowing Draper to focus on becoming stronger, fitter, and more durable on the tour.
While Draper’s rise has been swift, he is not resting on his laurels. After his success in Madrid, his focus immediately shifted to Rome, where he will face off against home favorite Luciano Darderi. Draper is well aware that with his career-high ranking of No 5, the expectations on him will only increase, and the pressure to perform will grow. Each new milestone brings its own challenges, but Draper’s resilience, work ethic, and ambition keep him moving forward.
Despite his early success, Draper remains grounded, understanding that tennis is a fast-moving sport, and his career is still in its early stages. His current achievements, however, have solidified his status as one of the top contenders for grand slam titles. Alongside players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Draper is now seen as an equal rather than just a challenger. It remains to be seen how close he will come to reaching his ultimate goals, but his journey so far serves as a testament to his perseverance and determination.
