LONDON — British tennis star Jack Draper opened up about his admiration for compatriot Emma Raducanu after watching her play at Wimbledon, despite his own disappointing exit from the tournament following a tough loss to Marin Cilic.
Draper, who was defeated in a grueling five-set match by the experienced Cilic, spoke candidly to the media about his thoughts on Raducanu’s resurgence after her injury struggles. "Emma’s been through so much, and to see her back on court playing at this level is just incredible," he said.
Draper’s Admiration for Raducanu’s Resilience
The 22-year-old left-hander, who has faced his own injury setbacks, expressed deep respect for Raducanu’s ability to bounce back after multiple surgeries and a prolonged absence from the tour. "She’s shown so much mental strength—it’s inspiring for all of us," Draper remarked.
Raducanu, who famously won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, has struggled with consistency and fitness since that historic run. However, her performances at Wimbledon this year have reignited hopes of a full comeback. Draper highlighted key aspects of her game that impressed him:
- Her movement—she looks sharp and explosive again
- Her aggressive baseline play, which reminds me of her US Open form
- Her composure under pressure—she’s handling the big moments well
Draper’s Own Wimbledon Disappointment
While praising Raducanu, Draper didn’t shy away from addressing his own early exit. "It’s tough, obviously. I wanted to go deeper, but Marin played a great match," he admitted.
The match against Cilic, a former Wimbledon finalist, was a rollercoaster, with Draper fighting back from two sets down before ultimately falling short. "I gave everything, but sometimes it’s just not enough against a player of his caliber," he reflected.
Looking Ahead to the Hardcourt Season
Despite the loss, Draper remains optimistic about his future, particularly with the North American hardcourt swing approaching. "I’ll take the positives, work on my game, and come back stronger," he said.
He also hinted at the possibility of teaming up with Raducanu for mixed doubles in future tournaments, a prospect that would excite British tennis fans. "We’ve talked about it before—it could be fun if the timing works out," he revealed with a smile.
Raducanu’s Response to Draper’s Support
When asked about Draper’s comments, Raducanu expressed gratitude for his kind words. "Jack’s a great guy and an amazing player. It means a lot to have that support from someone who understands the challenges," she said.
The mutual respect between the two rising stars highlights the camaraderie within British tennis, even as they navigate the pressures of the sport individually. "We’re all pushing each other to be better—that’s what makes this group special," Draper added.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for British Tennis
While Draper’s Wimbledon journey ended earlier than he hoped, his reflections on Raducanu’s comeback and his own determination suggest promising times ahead. "This is just the beginning for both of us," he concluded.
With Draper’s powerful game and Raducanu’s fearless approach, British tennis fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming seasons. As Draper put it, "The best is yet to come."