LONDON — Rising British tennis star Jack Draper couldn’t resist a playful jab at Andy Murray after his impressive victory at the Queen’s Club Championships, dropping a cheeky six-word comment that had fans and pundits laughing. The 22-year-old, fresh off a dominant performance, also hinted at his growing ambitions on grass ahead of Wimbledon.
Draper, who defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-2 in the first round, was asked about Murray’s recent comments regarding the next generation of British players. The two-time Wimbledon champion had humorously remarked that he hoped Draper and his peers would "hurry up" and start winning major titles so he could retire. Draper’s response? "He’s got a point, hasn’t he?"
A Lighthearted Exchange Between Generations
The exchange between Draper and Murray has been a recurring theme in British tennis circles, with the veteran often teasing the younger players about stepping up. Draper, however, took it in stride, acknowledging Murray’s legendary status while playfully suggesting the pressure was on. "Andy’s been incredible for British tennis, but maybe it’s time we gave him a proper send-off by winning something big," he quipped.
Murray, who is likely playing his final season, has been a vocal supporter of Draper’s development. The young left-hander, currently ranked No. 31 in the world, has long been seen as Britain’s brightest prospect. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline game make him a natural fit for grass, and his performance at Queen’s only reinforced that belief.
Draper’s Big Hint for Queen’s and Beyond
Beyond the banter, Draper made it clear that he’s targeting a deep run at Queen’s—and possibly Wimbledon. "I feel really good on grass, and this tournament is a big focus for me," he said. "I’ve put in the work, and now it’s about delivering."
His recent form suggests he’s more than capable. Draper reached the semifinals in Stuttgart last week, defeating defending champion Frances Tiafoe before falling to Matteo Berrettini. His game has matured significantly over the past year, with improvements in:
- Serve consistency
- Movement on grass
- Mental resilience in tight matches
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Draper’s progress, telling the BBC: "Jack’s got all the tools to be a top-10 player. His serve is a weapon, and he’s learning how to construct points better. If he stays fit, he’s going to be a real threat at Wimbledon."
The Murray Factor
Murray’s influence on Draper’s career can’t be understated. The young Brit has often spoken about how Murray’s work ethic and success have inspired him. "Seeing what Andy’s done, especially coming back from injury, is unbelievable," Draper said. "He sets the standard for all of us."
With Murray’s career winding down, British tennis fans are eager for Draper to fill the void. His recent performances suggest he’s ready to take the next step. A strong showing at Queen’s could set the tone for a breakthrough summer.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
Draper’s immediate focus is Queen’s, but Wimbledon looms large. Last year, he reached the second round before retiring due to injury. This time, he’s determined to make a deeper run. "I love playing at Wimbledon—the crowd, the atmosphere, everything," he said. "I just want to stay healthy and compete at my best."
His coach, James Trotman, has been working on fine-tuning his game for grass. "Jack’s got the power, but we’re focusing on his net play and variety," Trotman explained. "Grass rewards aggression, but you also need to be smart."
If Draper can maintain his current trajectory, he could be a dark horse at SW19. With Murray cheering him on—and maybe still cracking jokes—the stage is set for a memorable summer.
As for that six-word dig at Murray? Draper laughed it off but admitted, "I’ll probably hear about it from him later. But that’s Andy—he keeps us on our toes."