LONDON — Twelve months ago, Jack Draper arrived at Wimbledon as a promising but injury-plagued talent. Today, he returns as a Grand Slam semi-finalist, a Masters champion, and a top-five player—transformed into a genuine contender for the title on British soil.
The Meteoric Rise of Jack Draper
Draper’s ascent in 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 22-year-old left-hander began the year ranked outside the top 50 but has since claimed his first Masters 1000 title in Madrid, reached the semi-finals of the French Open, and cracked the ATP’s top five. His powerful serve, explosive forehand, and improved mental resilience have made him a force on all surfaces.
"Last year, I was just hoping to stay healthy," Draper reflected after his Roland Garros run. "Now, I step onto the court believing I can beat anyone. It’s a completely different mindset."
Key Factors Behind Draper’s Transformation
1. Physical Resilience
Injuries once threatened to derail Draper’s career. Between 2021 and 2023, he suffered recurring muscle tears and fatigue-related setbacks. A revamped fitness regime under his team, including former British No. 1 Tim Henman’s physio, has been pivotal:
- Reduced serve strain with biomechanical adjustments
- Improved recovery protocols between matches
- Strength-focused conditioning to prevent soft-tissue injuries
2. Tactical Maturity
Draper’s coach, James Trotman, has sharpened his net play and return positioning. At Roland Garros, he won 68% of net points—a 12% improvement from 2023. His adaptability was evident in Madrid, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a three-set thriller by mixing power with deft drop shots.
Wimbledon Expectations
Grass has always been Draper’s strongest surface. In 2022, he pushed Novak Djokovic to four sets in Wimbledon’s first round. Now, with Djokovic recovering from knee surgery and defending champion Alcaraz struggling for form, analysts see Draper as a dark horse. Former champion Andy Murray noted:
"Jack’s game is built for grass," Murray told the BBC. "His lefty serve out wide, the flat backhand—it’s all there. If he stays healthy, he’s got a real shot."
Bookmakers currently price Draper at 8/1, behind only Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz. His projected fourth-round clash with Holger Rune could be a tournament-defining moment.
The British Hope
With Emma Raducanu’s early exit and Cameron Norrie’s slump, Draper carries British hopes alone. The pressure is immense, but his recent performances suggest he’s ready. At Queen’s Club, he dismantled top-10 player Taylor Fritz in straight sets, showcasing his grass-court prowess.
"I’ve learned to embrace the expectation," Draper said after the Fritz win. "Playing at home, with the crowd behind me—it’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid."
Conclusion: A New Chapter
Draper’s journey from injury-prone prospect to Wimbledon contender mirrors Andy Murray’s own evolution. With his weapons firing and confidence soaring, this could be the year British tennis finds its next champion. As Draper put it succinctly:
"I’m not here to make up the numbers," he declared. "I’m here to win."