ROME — British tennis rising star Jack Draper has opened up about his emotional outburst during the Italian Open, admitting he "woke up angry" and struggled to control his frustrations on court. The 22-year-old, who has been tipped as one of the sport’s most promising talents, acknowledged his behavior was "not ideal" after a heated moment during his match against Daniil Medvedev.
Draper, currently ranked No. 37 in the world, faced off against the Russian world No. 4 in a grueling second-round clash. The match, which ended in a straight-sets defeat for Draper (7-5, 6-4), saw the young Brit visibly frustrated, smashing his racket and exchanging words with the chair umpire. Speaking to reporters afterward, Draper didn’t shy away from addressing his emotions.
Draper’s Candid Admission
"I woke up angry, and it just carried through the day," Draper confessed. "I’ve been working hard on my mental game, but sometimes it’s tough to keep everything in check. I let my frustrations get the better of me, and that’s something I need to improve." The admission highlights the pressures young players face as they navigate the elite levels of professional tennis.
Draper’s outburst wasn’t an isolated incident. Earlier this year, he also showed visible frustration during matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid. However, the Italian Open incident stood out due to its intensity. At one point, he received a code violation for racket abuse after slamming it into the clay court in frustration.
The Pressure of Rising Expectations
Draper’s talent has long been recognized, with many predicting a bright future for the left-hander. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline game have drawn comparisons to Andy Murray in his early years. However, with heightened expectations come increased scrutiny, and Draper admitted the mental toll can be overwhelming.
"It’s not easy," he said. "You want to perform, you want to prove yourself, and when things don’t go your way, it’s frustrating. I’m still learning how to channel that energy positively."
The match against Medvedev was particularly challenging. Draper had break points in both sets but failed to convert them, which seemed to amplify his frustration. Medvedev, known for his tactical brilliance, capitalized on Draper’s emotional dips, sealing key points at crucial moments.
Key Moments That Sparked the Outburst
Several moments stood out during the match where Draper’s emotions boiled over:
- First Set, 5-5: Draper missed a break point opportunity after a long rally, leading to a loud outburst directed at his coaching team.
- Second Set, 3-3: A disputed line call went against Draper, prompting an exchange with the umpire and a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Match Point: After netting a forehand, Draper smashed his racket, earning a code violation.
Despite the outbursts, Draper showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with his powerful forehand and ability to dictate play. However, his inconsistency and emotional reactions proved costly against an experienced opponent like Medvedev.
Learning from the Experience
Draper emphasized that he’s aware of the need to improve his on-court demeanor. "I know I can’t let my emotions take over like that. It’s something I’m working on with my team—staying calm, staying focused. It’s a process, and I’ll get better."
His coach, James Trotman, echoed the sentiment, telling reporters, "Jack’s passion is one of his greatest strengths, but we’re helping him find the right balance. He’s young, and these are learning experiences."
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman, now a commentator, weighed in on Draper’s performance. "Jack has all the tools to be a top-10 player, but managing emotions is part of the journey. He’ll learn from this and come back stronger."
Looking Ahead
Draper’s next focus will be the French Open, where he’ll look to build on his recent clay-court performances. While the Italian Open ended in frustration, he remains optimistic about his progress. "Every match is a chance to grow. I’ll take the positives, work on the negatives, and keep moving forward."
The tennis world will be watching closely as Draper continues his ascent. With raw talent and a willingness to confront his weaknesses, the young Brit’s journey promises to be one of the most compelling stories in the sport.