LONDON — Rising British tennis star Jack Draper has opened up about the physical and mental challenges of his breakthrough season, candidly comparing his body to "a Ferrari that sometimes feels like a Toyota." The 22-year-old survived a grueling three-set battle against American Tommy Paul to reach the quarter-finals of the Cinch Championships at Queen's Club, marking another milestone in his promising career.
Draper, who recently cracked the ATP Top 30, has long been touted as Britain's next great tennis hope. Yet his rapid ascent has been hampered by recurring injuries, including shoulder problems and muscle strains. After his 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Paul, Draper revealed the paradox of his athletic physique: "People look at me and think I'm built like a machine, but my body hasn't always cooperated. It's frustrating when you have the engine but the parts keep failing."
The Physical Toll of High Expectations
Draper's comments highlight the often-overlooked reality of professional tennis—where explosive power and endurance come at a cost. Despite his 6'4" frame and muscular build, the left-hander has missed significant time due to:
- A torn oblique muscle in 2023
- Recurring shoulder inflammation
- Multiple hamstring strains
"The expectations weigh heavy," Draper admitted. "When you're young and strong, everyone assumes you're indestructible. But tennis at this level is brutal—the stops, starts, changes of direction. My body looks like it should handle it, but I've had to learn the hard way about recovery and pacing."
Breakthrough at Queen's Club
Draper's victory over World No. 13 Paul showcased both his resilience and evolving game. After dominating the first set with his powerful serve and forehand, Draper faced a spirited comeback from the American before regrouping in the decider. Key moments included:
- Saving 4 break points at 2-2 in the third set
- Winning 83% of first-serve points
"That's the mental side improving," Draper noted. "A year ago, I might have panicked when the momentum shifted. Now I trust my fitness more, even if my body doesn't always feel perfect. The Toyota gets the job done even when the Ferrari engine is sputtering."
Coaching Changes Paying Off
Since linking with experienced coach Wayne Ferreira in late 2023, Draper has made strategic adjustments to reduce injury risk while maintaining his aggressive style. The South African mentor—known for his own durability during a 17-year career—has implemented:
- Modified service motion to ease shoulder strain
- Targeted plyometric training for joint stability
Ferreira observed: "Jack's physical gifts are obvious, but we're working on sustainability. The best cars need fine-tuning—knowing when to push the RPMs and when to cruise. His self-awareness about his body is growing, which is crucial for longevity."
The Road Ahead
With his Queen's Club run, Draper becomes the first British man since Andy Murray in 2016 to reach consecutive ATP quarter-finals on grass. Next up is a showdown with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz—a test Draper welcomes despite their contrasting injury histories. "Carlos moves like he's made of rubber," Draper joked. "Maybe I need to study his maintenance schedule."
Looking beyond Wimbledon, Draper aims to balance ambition with pragmatism: "The goal isn't just reaching the top—it's staying there. That means listening to my body, even when it's not performing like the sports car it resembles. Right now, I'll take reliable over flashy if it means more wins."
As British fans rally behind their new standard-bearer, Draper's candid reflections offer a refreshing perspective on professional athletics. In an era of highlight-reel physiques, his honesty about the gap between appearance and performance resonates. "The outside doesn't always match the inside," he concluded. "But I'm learning to work with what I've got—Ferrari days and Toyota days alike."