LONDON — British tennis sensation Jack Draper has set his sights on catching up to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, expressing confidence in his ability to compete with the sport's rising stars as he prepares for Wimbledon. Draper, who recently watched Alcaraz's thrilling French Open final victory over Sinner, believes he has the game and mindset to challenge the duo in the coming years.
Draper's Ambition: Closing the Gap
The 22-year-old left-hander, currently ranked No. 31 in the world, has been making steady progress on the ATP Tour. After overcoming injury setbacks earlier in his career, Draper is now healthy and determined to make his mark. "I've always believed in my ability," Draper said in an exclusive interview. "Watching Carlos and Jannik push each other to new heights is inspiring. I know I can get to that level."
Draper's confidence stems from his recent performances, including a run to the semifinals at the Stuttgart Open, where he defeated former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline game have drawn comparisons to a young Andy Murray, another British left-hander who rose to the top of the sport.
Wimbledon Plans: A Home Grand Slam
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Draper is fine-tuning his game on grass, a surface that suits his style perfectly. He has been working closely with his coach, former British No. 1 James Trotman, to refine his net play and movement. "Grass is where I feel most comfortable," Draper admitted. "I grew up playing on it, and I think it gives me an edge against some of the top guys."
Draper's Wimbledon preparations include:
- Intensive serve-and-volley drills to capitalize on his lefty advantage
- Practice matches against other top British players, including Cameron Norrie
- Mental conditioning sessions to handle the pressure of playing at home
Learning from Alcaraz and Sinner
Draper has been studying Alcaraz and Sinner's matches closely, particularly their ability to adapt to different surfaces. "What impresses me most about Carlos and Jannik is their mental toughness," he noted. "They never seem overwhelmed by the moment, and that's something I'm working on."
The young Brit has faced both players before, holding a 1-1 record against Sinner and losing his only meeting with Alcaraz. However, Draper remains optimistic about future encounters. "I know I can beat them," he stated. "It's just about putting everything together at the right time."
Physical and Mental Growth
Draper's recent success can be attributed to his improved physical conditioning. After struggling with injuries in 2022 and early 2023, he has worked tirelessly with his fitness team to build durability. "The body feels great now," Draper revealed. "I'm stronger, faster, and more resilient than ever before."
Mentally, Draper has also matured. He credits his team and family for helping him develop a more positive mindset on court. "Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical," he explained. "I've learned to stay calm under pressure and trust my game."
The Road Ahead
With Wimbledon approaching, Draper sees the tournament as a perfect opportunity to announce himself as a genuine contender. "I'm not just going there to make up the numbers," he declared. "I believe I can go deep and maybe even win it one day."
Beyond Wimbledon, Draper has set ambitious goals for the rest of the season:
- Break into the top 20 by year-end
- Win his first ATP title
- Qualify for the ATP Finals
As for catching Alcaraz and Sinner, Draper remains realistic but determined. "They're ahead right now, but I'm closing the gap," he said. "With hard work and belief, anything is possible."
British tennis fans will be eagerly watching Draper's progress at Wimbledon, hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Murray and become the next homegrown champion. For Draper, the dream is clear: "I want to win Grand Slams and be world No. 1. That's why I put in the work every day."