Jack Draper just secured a spot in the quarterfinals at the Queen’s Club tournament with a hard-fought victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.
The world No. 6 pulled off a tense 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 win, showing flashes of brilliance when it counted most.
A Rollercoaster Match Under the London Sun
The match lasted over two hours in sweltering 28-degree heat, with Draper battling both his opponent and his own energy levels.
At one point in the final set tiebreak, he was trailing 4-2, but then turned things around spectacularly — mixing winners and aces to seal the win in a thrilling finish.
Draper admitted he wasn’t feeling 100% this week and that his energy dipped at times.
“I wasn’t at my best early on,” he said, “but I managed to get myself going, and the crowd really helped lift me up.”
What’s Next for Draper at Queen’s Club
Up next for Draper is American Brandon Nakashima, who himself had a tough battle, beating Dan Evans 7-5, 7-6.
Draper is aiming to reach the semi-finals here for the first time — a milestone he’s keen to hit before Wimbledon starts.
Draper’s Honest Take on His Game So Far
Despite the win, Draper was candid about his form this week.
While his serve fired 14 aces past Popyrin, he felt his overall play was inconsistent and his shot-making below his usual standard.
“I’ve beaten the world No. 21, but I know I can do better,” he said.
“My goal is to peak at Wimbledon, and every day I want to get closer to that.”
Finding Strength and Confidence On Court
Physically, Draper feels stronger than ever. He joked that earlier in his career, his energy was like a Ferrari stuck with Toyota reliability.
Now, with improved fitness and confidence — showcased by his new sleeveless Nike shirts on the practice courts — he’s ready to take on tougher challenges.
Popyrin’s Power and Draper’s Tactical Edge
Popyrin’s big serve and aggressive net play made him a dangerous opponent on the grass courts, but Draper’s composure in the critical moments made the difference.
Draper admitted he was a bit passive early on but stepped up when it mattered, proving why he’s now a serious contender on the tour.
Looking Ahead: Nakashima’s Solid Game and Wimbledon Wildcards
Nakashima, Draper’s next opponent, plays a steady, no-frills style — very different from Popyrin’s power game.
Meanwhile, British tennis got some good news as 14 players, including veteran Dan Evans, received wildcards for Wimbledon.
Among the young hopefuls are three teenage girls — Hannah Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic, and Mimi Xu — all making their debut at the famous Grand Slam.
Rising Stars Making Waves in British Tennis
The young British trio have been impressive in juniors and lower-level pro tournaments recently.
Stojsavljevic won the junior US Open last year, Klugman just reached the French Open junior final, and Xu notched her first WTA Tour win in Nottingham this week.
These wildcards give them a fantastic chance to shine on the big stage.