Jack Draper’s rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of remarkable. After his triumph at Indian Wells, where he secured his first Masters 1000 title, the 23-year-old has established himself as a formidable contender on the ATP Tour. His journey to world No. 7 has been fueled by impressive victories over top-ranked opponents, including a stellar semi-final win against Carlos Alcaraz. With this latest success, he is now firmly in the conversation as a future grand slam champion.
Draper has always believed in his ability to compete at the highest level. Following his Indian Wells victory, he spoke about his growing confidence, acknowledging that while five-set matches at grand slams present a different challenge, he feels completely at home among the elite. He also recognizes that there is still plenty of room for improvement in his game, which only adds to his excitement about the future.
What makes his recent triumph even more significant is the adversity he has had to overcome. Just when it seemed he had left his physical struggles behind, he found himself dealing with tendinitis in his hip during the off-season. While other players were preparing intensely for the new year, he was forced to rest, unable to build on the momentum he had gained. Yet, instead of letting frustration take over, Draper focused on his recovery and returned stronger.
Despite limited preparation, he made a significant impact at the Australian Open, grinding through three consecutive five-set matches before an injury forced him to retire in the fourth round against Alcaraz. His performance in Melbourne sent a clear message to the tennis world Draper is not only immensely talented but also resilient and mentally tough.
Indian Wells was just his third tournament of the year, and his patience paid off. His long-term partnership with his coach, James Trotman, remains solid, and the addition of experienced professionals like physio Shane Annun and strength and conditioning coach Matt Little has further bolstered his support team. These strategic decisions are proving crucial in his development and ability to stay fit.
Draper’s game is built for success at the highest level. His powerful and precise left-handed serve has become more consistent, making him difficult to break. Unlike many big servers, he is also an elite returner, capable of neutralizing even the most dominant opponents. His groundstrokes allow him to dictate points, while his defense remains a key strength. Over time, he has become more comfortable at the net and added variety to his play with effective drop shots.
A key focus for Draper has been balancing aggressive shot-making with his natural defensive abilities. His versatility was on full display at Indian Wells one day, he frustrated Alcaraz with his exceptional movement and defense; the next, he overpowered Holger Rune with his devastating forehand.
Reflecting on his victory, Draper emphasized his commitment to continuous improvement, striving to become the most complete version of himself as a player. The emotional moment when he fell to his knees in celebration was a testament to the struggles he has endured. Those challenges have strengthened his resolve, making him more determined than ever to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Regardless of what lies ahead, one thing is certain Draper will do everything in his power to maximize his potential. His journey is far from over, and with his talent, work ethic, and mentality, he is poised to challenge for the biggest prizes in tennis.
