LONDON — British tennis star Jack Draper has opened up about his early struggles with fitness, humorously comparing his younger self to a high-performance car that couldn’t handle the demands of professional tennis. The 22-year-old, now the British No. 1, reflected on his journey from being injury-prone to building the physical resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
In a recent interview, Draper joked, "I used to look a bit like a Ferrari, but I broke down easily. Now, I feel like I’ve got the engine to last long matches." The comment highlights his transformation from a talented but fragile prospect into a player capable of enduring grueling five-set battles.
The Early Struggles: A Ferrari Without the Mileage
Draper’s rise through the ranks has been hampered by frequent injuries, including shoulder problems, abdominal strains, and muscle tears. These setbacks limited his ability to string together consistent performances, despite his obvious talent. "I had the speed and the shots, but my body just couldn’t keep up," he admitted.
Key challenges Draper faced early in his career:
- Recurring muscle injuries due to rapid growth during his teenage years
- Shoulder issues that affected his serve and power game
- Fatigue-related breakdowns in longer matches
The Turning Point: Building a Reliable Engine
Over the past two years, Draper has worked tirelessly with his team to address his physical weaknesses. A dedicated strength and conditioning program, tailored nutrition, and recovery protocols have been crucial in his development. "It’s not just about looking strong—it’s about being strong where it matters," he explained.
His coach, James Trotman, emphasized the importance of patience: "Jack’s talent was never in question, but we had to rebuild his body to withstand the rigors of the tour. It’s been a gradual process, but the results speak for themselves."
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since 2023, Draper has seen a significant improvement in his durability:
- Played 20% more matches per season
- Reduced mid-match retirements by 75%
- Increased average match time by 30 minutes
The Mental Shift: Confidence in His Body
Beyond the physical improvements, Draper credits a shift in mindset for his recent success. "Before, I’d always worry about my body holding up. Now, I trust it. That mental freedom lets me play my best tennis," he said.
This newfound confidence was evident in his run to the fourth round of the 2024 Australian Open, where he pushed top-10 opponent Andrey Rublev to five sets. "A year ago, I might not have lasted that long. Now, I know I can go the distance," Draper reflected.
Looking Ahead: A Ferrari Ready for the Long Haul
With his fitness concerns largely behind him, Draper is setting his sights on breaking into the world’s top 20. "I’ve got the engine now—it’s time to see how fast I can go," he quipped, maintaining his car-themed analogy.
His next challenge will be maintaining this progress through the grueling grass-court season, where he hopes to make a deep run at Wimbledon. "Grass is where I feel most at home. This year, I want to show what I can do when my body’s not holding me back," he said.
As Draper continues his ascent, his story serves as an inspiration to young athletes facing similar challenges. From fragile Ferrari to durable champion, his journey proves that talent alone isn’t enough—you need the physical foundation to match.
In his own words: "It’s not about how you look—it’s about how you hold up when the pressure’s on. I’ve learned that the hard way, but now I’m ready for whatever comes next."