With the echoes of Andy Murray’s illustrious career still reverberating through the history of British tennis, a new name is beginning to make its way into the spotlight: Jack Draper. With Murray’s recent retirement, the role of British tennis has naturally changed, and Draper, now a rising star, is stepping up to fill those big shoes. Draper’s rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of a remarkable achievement. At just 22 years old, the left-hander has made it to the quarter-finals of the US Open, his best Grand Slam performance to date. This achievement not only highlights his prodigious talent, but also marks a potential new chapter in British tennis, in which Draper can carry on the legacy left behind by his idol and mentor, Andy Murray. A glimpse of greatness The US Open has always been a stage where dreams can become reality, and for Draper, it has proven to be a platform to showcase his immense talent. The young British player has burst onto the tournament scene, becoming the first British player to reach the quarter-finals since Murray in 2016. His performances have been spectacular, especially in his fourth-round match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac. Draper’s dominance in this match was described as a “masterclass” by former British number one Tim Henman, who lauded Draper’s performance as “a real statement to the locker room”.
The significance of Draper’s performance cannot be underestimated. With key players such as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz making early exits and Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner surviving, Draper’s presence in the quarter-finals is a testament to his growing stature in the sport. His calm demeanour on court and his explosive play have earned him comparisons to the game’s best players.
Following in Murray’s footsteps
Andy Murray’s impact on British tennis is undeniable. His career, marked by two Wimbledon titles and an Olympic gold medal, has set a high standard for future generations. When Murray spoke about Draper’s potential a few months ago, suggesting that Draper “could get to the top of the game,” it was more than just a compliment; it was an endorsement of Draper’s remarkable ability.
Draper’s journey up to this point has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite being relatively new to the elite levels of the game, Draper has already achieved significant milestones, including his first ATP title and becoming the youngest British male number one since Murray. Draper himself is well aware of the weight of following in Murray’s footsteps, but remains focused on forging his own path. “To follow in Andy’s footsteps, for me, is a massive achievement,” Draper commented, underlining his respect for Murray while remaining committed to exceeding his own expectations.
A physically and mentally tough competitor
Draper’s rise has not been without challenges. For several years, he struggled with numerous injuries that hindered his progress. The 2022 and 2023 seasons were particularly difficult, with physical constraints keeping her from performing at her best. A shoulder injury suffered during last year’s French Open was a huge setback, forcing her to miss the British grass-court season.
However, Draper’s perseverance has shone through. Working closely with fitness trainer Steve Kotz and physio Will Herbert has been crucial in her recovery and development. Draper’s new-found toughness has been a key factor in her recent successes, including her ATP title in Stuttgart and her win over Carlos Alcaraz at Queens. Her improved fitness and injury-free status have allowed her to showcase her talents more consistently, leading to her impressive showing at the US Open.
Embracing the spotlight
Draper’s emergence as a top player isn’t just about her performances on the court; it also includes her presence off tennis. Her appeal extends beyond tennis, as evidenced by her glamorous photoshoots with fashion magazines such as Vogue. Despite the glitz and glamour, Draper remains down-to-earth, crediting his family’s support for his success. His mother, Nicky, is a coach and former junior champion, while his father, Roger, is involved with the Lawn Tennis Association. His brother Ben, a former college player, acts as his agent, underlining the family’s deep involvement in his career.
Draper’s off-court interests, including his passion for fashion and football, reflect a man who is comfortable with the attention of people. His love of Manchester United and Oasis adds to his personality, showing that while tennis is an important part of his life, he also pursues other interests.
The road ahead
The future looks bright as Draper continues to make his mark on the tennis world. His performance at the US Open has set a high standard, and his continued development as a player could herald a new era for British tennis. The challenges ahead will be significant,