In what marks his first appearance in a grand slam tournament following Andy Murray’s retirement, Jack Draper is emerging as the new face of British tennis, impressively making his mark at the US Open in New York.
Draper has dominated so far, winning his opening five matches without conceding a single set. He advanced to the semi-finals after defeating 10th seed Alex de Minaur, becoming the first British man to reach this stage at the US Open since Murray’s triumph in 2012.
However, Draper faces his biggest challenge yet against world number one Jannik Sinner in the upcoming round.
Reflecting on his journey, Draper acknowledged his previous doubts about whether he belonged in elite tennis. Overcoming those challenges has only strengthened his determination.
“It helps that I’ve faced many low points in my career, including injuries and setbacks. There were times I questioned if I should continue or if I was truly capable of succeeding in this sport,” Draper said. “Despite those hard moments, I kept believing in myself and working hard. This moment doesn’t compare to those struggles.”
Draper described his current position as a privilege and an honor, emphasizing his dedication to maintaining this momentum. “I’m not afraid of being in these situations; I want to keep performing at this level, which is why I play,” he stated.
Having won 15 consecutive sets in the tournament, Draper has progressed with relative ease, although he did experience a minor issue during his quarter-final match. Nonetheless, he feels physically prepared and confident.
“I’ve become a more complete player. In the past, I worried about my stamina in five-set matches. Now, even though I’ve won all my matches in straight sets, I know I have more to give,” he explained. “I’m not concerned about longer matches; my body feels robust, and I’m ready to go the distance if necessary.”
Draper added, “My tennis is flowing well, and I feel efficient on the court, not expending too much energy during rallies.”