LONDON — The once-close friendship between British tennis star Jack Draper and Italian sensation Jannik Sinner appears to be under strain, with Sinner admitting in a recent interview that their relationship has "changed" in recent months. The revelation has sparked speculation about a potential rift between the two rising stars of the ATP Tour.
A Friendship Forged on the Court
Draper, 22, and Sinner, also 22, first bonded during their junior careers, often practicing together at tournaments and sharing a mutual respect for each other's game. Their camaraderie was evident in 2022 when they frequently trained together during the grass-court season. "We had a good connection," Sinner told reporters last year. "Jack is a great guy, and we push each other to improve."
However, recent comments from Sinner suggest that dynamic has shifted. Speaking after his quarterfinal win at the Miami Open, the Italian was asked about his relationship with Draper and responded cautiously: "It's different now. We're both focused on our own paths. Things change when you're competing at this level."
Competitive Tensions Rising?
Tennis insiders point to several factors that may have contributed to the cooling of their friendship:
- Direct competition: Both players are now firmly inside the ATP Top 50, with Sinner ranked No. 2 and Draper climbing to No. 37 after strong performances in 2024.
- Differing trajectories: While Sinner has broken through to win a Grand Slam (Australian Open 2024), Draper is still chasing his first major title.
- Limited interaction: Their practice sessions together have reportedly decreased significantly over the past year.
A source close to Draper's team told reporters: "There's no bad blood, but their friendship was always built around tennis. Now that they're both serious contenders, the dynamic has naturally evolved."
The Monte Carlo Incident
Observers noted a particularly tense moment between the two players during the Monte Carlo Masters in April. After Draper's straight-sets loss to Sinner in the second round, the customary post-match handshake appeared notably brief, with neither player making eye contact. Tennis journalist David Law commented on the BBC Tennis Podcast: "That wasn't the warm exchange we've seen between them in the past. Something's definitely changed."
Sinner's Candid Admission
In his most revealing comments yet, Sinner expanded on the state of their relationship during a press conference in Rome: "When you're younger, it's easier to be friends with everyone. Now, with more at stake, you have to protect your energy. Jack and I still respect each other, but we're not as close as we were."
The Italian star emphasized that this wasn't unique to Draper: "It's part of growing up on tour. Your circle gets smaller. You realize not everyone can be in your inner circle when you're competing for the biggest titles."
Draper's Response
Draper, for his part, has been more guarded in his comments. When asked about Sinner's remarks after his first-round win in Madrid, the British No. 2 said: "Jannik's entitled to his opinion. I'm just focused on my tennis and continuing to improve."
However, those close to Draper suggest the comments stung. A training partner who wished to remain anonymous revealed: "Jack's a loyal guy. He thought they had a genuine friendship, so hearing it described as 'different' publicly was tough."
The Future of Their Rivalry
With both players expected to be mainstays in the ATP's upper echelons for years to come, their evolving relationship adds an intriguing subplot to future encounters. Tennis analyst Gill Gross noted: "What was once a friendly rivalry now has an edge to it. That could bring out the best in both of them competitively."
Key upcoming tournaments where they could face each other include:
- Wimbledon (July 2024) - Where Draper will have home crowd support
- Paris Masters (November 2024) - A potential late-season showdown
- ATP Finals (December 2024) - If both qualify for the year-end championship
Conclusion: The Price of Success?
As both players continue their ascent in professional tennis, their changing relationship may simply reflect the realities of life at the top of the sport. As Sinner himself acknowledged: "When you're fighting for the same goals, some relationships change. That's just part of the journey."
Whether their friendship can withstand the pressures of elite competition remains to be seen. For now, tennis fans will watch with interest as two of the game's brightest young stars navigate both their professional rivalry and personal connection in the public eye.
One thing is certain: if they meet again on court, there will be more than just ranking points at stake. Their evolving dynamic adds another layer of intrigue to what was once one of the tour's most genuine friendships.