LONDON — Rising British tennis star Jack Draper has made a candid four-word confession about Andy Murray while sharing his honest verdict on facing Novak Djokovic. The 22-year-old, who is rapidly climbing the ATP rankings, revealed his admiration for Murray’s legacy and discussed the daunting challenge of playing against Djokovic.
Draper, currently Britain’s No. 1 men’s player, is preparing for Wimbledon with high hopes. In a recent interview, he opened up about his aspirations to emulate Murray’s success at the All England Club, where the Scot won two titles. "I want to be like Andy," Draper admitted, summing up his ambition in just four words.
Draper’s Admiration for Murray’s Wimbledon Legacy
Draper’s admiration for Murray runs deep. The young left-hander grew up watching the three-time Grand Slam champion dominate on grass and has long viewed him as a role model. "What Andy achieved here is incredible," Draper said. "He changed British tennis forever, and I want to follow in his footsteps."
Murray’s influence extends beyond just results. Draper highlighted the former world No. 1’s work ethic and resilience as key traits he hopes to replicate. "He never gives up, no matter the situation. That’s something I’m trying to bring into my game," he added.
The Challenge of Facing Djokovic
Draper also shared his thoughts on facing Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion. The Brit has faced the Serbian legend twice, including a tight three-set battle at the 2023 Adelaide International. "Playing Novak is one of the toughest challenges in tennis," Draper admitted. "His level is just ridiculous—he doesn’t give you anything."
Despite the difficulty, Draper sees these matches as invaluable learning experiences. "You have to be perfect to beat him, but even when you lose, you take so much from it," he said.
Key Takeaways from Draper’s Djokovic Encounters
- "His return game is insane—you can’t afford weak serves."
- "He makes you play every single point like it’s match point."
- "You have to stay mentally strong because he never cracks."
Grass-Court Aspirations and Wimbledon Hopes
Draper’s game is well-suited to grass, and he has already shown promise on the surface, reaching the semifinals at Queen’s Club in 2023. With a powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, he believes he can make a deep run at Wimbledon this year. "I love playing on grass—it suits my style. I’m aiming for the second week and beyond," he stated.
The British crowd’s support could also play a crucial role. Draper acknowledged the pressure but embraced it: "Playing at home is special. The fans give you that extra energy."
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Jack Draper’s blend of talent, determination, and humility makes him one of the most exciting prospects in tennis. His admiration for Andy Murray and his willingness to learn from facing Novak Djokovic highlight his maturity and ambition. "I’m still improving every day, but I believe I can achieve big things," he said.
As Wimbledon approaches, all eyes will be on Draper to see if he can take the next step in his career—just like his idol, Andy Murray, did years ago.