LONDON — British tennis sensation Jack Draper admitted there are "still holes in my game" after his shock second-round exit at Wimbledon, dismissing suggestions that pressure played a role in his disappointing performance.
The 22-year-old, widely regarded as one of Britain’s brightest prospects, fell to Sweden’s Elias Ymer in four sets (3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6) in a match that exposed inconsistencies in Draper’s play. Despite a strong start, the world No. 32 struggled with unforced errors and a faltering serve, winning just 62% of his first-serve points.
"Not Good Enough" – Draper’s Honest Assessment
Speaking candidly after the match, Draper refused to blame external factors, instead pointing to his own shortcomings. "It wasn’t about pressure or expectations. I just wasn’t good enough today," he said. "There are still holes in my game that I need to work on, and today they were exposed."
Draper’s serve, typically a weapon, let him down with eight double faults and a first-serve percentage of just 58%. His forehand also misfired, contributing to 42 unforced errors—nearly double Ymer’s tally.
Missed Opportunities and Tactical Struggles
The match turned in the third set when Draper failed to capitalize on break-point chances, converting only 3 of 12 throughout the contest. Ymer, ranked 186th and coming through qualifying, grew in confidence, exploiting Draper’s passive play in key moments.
Analysts noted several areas where Draper struggled:
- Serve consistency: Frequent double faults and a low first-serve percentage.
- Forehand errors: Overhitting under pressure.
- Net play: Won just 12 of 22 approaches.
No Excuses – Draper Takes Responsibility
Unlike some of his peers, Draper avoided attributing the loss to nerves or the weight of home expectations. "I’ve played in front of big crowds before. This wasn’t about the occasion—it was about execution," he insisted.
His coach, James Trotman, echoed the sentiment, telling the BBC: "Jack’s honest enough to know when he hasn’t performed. Today wasn’t his day, but he’ll learn from it."
Looking Ahead – The Road to Improvement
Draper, who reached the fourth round at last year’s US Open, remains optimistic about his long-term potential. "I’ve got time on my side. I need to keep improving my fitness, my serve, and my mental resilience," he said.
His immediate focus will shift to the North American hard-court swing, where he aims to build momentum ahead of the US Open. Draper has already shown flashes of brilliance this year, including a run to the semifinals in Adelaide and a victory over Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s Club.
Conclusion – A Learning Experience
While the Wimbledon exit stings, Draper’s maturity in analyzing his performance suggests a player with the self-awareness to grow. "This is part of the journey. I’ll go back, work harder, and come back stronger," he vowed.
For British tennis fans, the hope remains that Draper’s raw talent—coupled with his willingness to confront weaknesses—will eventually translate into Grand Slam success. As he put it: "The only way is up from here."