LONDON — Jack Draper, once considered a hard-court specialist, has quietly transformed into a formidable clay-court contender this season. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner’s highly anticipated return from injury headlines this week’s tennis action. Here’s your weekly round-up of the latest developments on the ATP Tour.
Draper’s Clay-Court Evolution
British No. 1 Jack Draper, long praised for his explosive lefty game on hard courts, has made significant strides on clay in 2024. His recent run to the semifinals in Munich and a strong showing in Madrid have signaled his growing comfort on the surface. "I’ve put in the work on my movement and patience," Draper said after his Munich campaign. "Clay used to feel foreign, but now I’m embracing the challenge."
Key factors behind Draper’s clay-court improvement:
- Improved Fitness: Draper’s endurance, once a weakness, has allowed him to grind out longer rallies.
- Heavier Topspin Forehand: His revamped forehand now generates more bounce, crucial for clay.
- Tactical Adjustments: He’s learned to construct points rather than relying solely on power.
Munich Breakthrough
Draper’s Munich performance was particularly eye-catching. He defeated clay-court specialists like Lorenzo Sonego and defending champion Holger Rune before falling to eventual winner Jan-Lennard Struff. "Beating Rune on clay gave me belief," Draper admitted. "It proved I belong in these matches."
Sinner’s Comeback Trail
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is set to return at the Madrid Open after a month-long hiatus due to a hip injury. The Italian withdrew from Monte Carlo and Barcelona, sparking concerns about his Roland Garros preparations. "I’ve missed competing," Sinner said in a press conference. "The body feels good now—we took no risks."
Sinner’s cautious approach reflects his long-term ambitions:
- Grand Slam Focus: Protecting his body for Roland Garros and Wimbledon remains the priority.
- Clay Improvements: Despite being better on hard courts, Sinner reached the Monte Carlo semis in 2023.
Testing the Hip
Sinner’s Madrid participation will be closely monitored. His movement, especially sliding on clay, will reveal his recovery progress. Coach Darren Cahill emphasized, "We won’t push him if there’s any discomfort. The bigger picture matters."
Clay-Court Standouts
Beyond Draper and Sinner, other players have made waves on clay:
- Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek won Monte Carlo again, reaffirming his clay prowess.
- Casper Ruud: The Norwegian claimed Barcelona, his first title of 2024.
Ruud’s resurgence is notable after a slow start to the year. "Winning in Barcelona gives me confidence," he said. "Clay is where I play my best tennis."
Looking Ahead
With Roland Garros less than a month away, the clay season is heating up. Draper’s rise adds intrigue to the British hopes, while Sinner’s return could shake up the title race. "It’s an exciting time," said analyst Mats Wilander. "The young guns are making clay more dynamic."
As the tour moves to Rome next week, all eyes will be on whether Draper can sustain his momentum and if Sinner can challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the top. One thing is certain: the road to Paris has never been more unpredictable.