Jack Draper, a 22-year-old tennis prodigy from Sutton, has recently risen to become Britain’s new No. 1 tennis player, surpassing Cameron Norrie in the rankings. Draper’s journey to the top has been marked by significant achievements, including winning his first ATP Tour title by defeating Matteo Berrettini in the final of the Stuttgart Open.
Draper’s passion for tennis began at a young age, playing at the Sutton Tennis & Squash club under the guidance of his mother, Nicky, who introduced him to the sport. His success as a junior player culminated in a runner-up finish at the Wimbledon boys’ singles event in 2018, propelling him to No. 7 in the ITF junior world rankings.
In recent years, Draper has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the ATP rankings, climbing 223 places in 2022 to break into the top 50. His impressive performances include victories over top players like Jannik Sinner and Alexander Bublik, as well as becoming the youngest Brit to win three ATP Challenger titles in two months.
Despite setbacks due to injuries and physical issues, Draper has persevered, focusing on improving his fitness and seeking psychological assistance to cope with anxiety on the court. His determination and love for the sport have seen him achieve significant milestones, such as reaching the fourth round of the US Open and winning his first ATP Tour title in Stuttgart.
Coached by LTA National Coach James Trotman at the National Tennis Centre, Draper has also sought guidance from former player Wayne Ferreira to enhance his career prospects. Additionally, Draper looks up to tennis legend Andy Murray as an inspiration and plans to lean on him for advice and support as he continues his professional journey.
As Draper sets his sights on Wimbledon, where he is poised to be seeded, the young talent aims not only to achieve success on the court but also to inspire the next generation of tennis players. Draper’s ambition extends beyond winning titles to making a meaningful impact on the sport and encouraging others to pick up a racket.
With Draper’s rising profile and promising talent, tennis fans can look forward to seeing him compete on the biggest stages, including Wimbledon. As he prepares for future tournaments, Draper remains focused on honing his skills, overcoming challenges, and realizing his full potential in the world of professional tennis.