Jack Draper is embracing his new role as Britain’s top tennis star with confidence and determination.
Following Andy Murray’s retirement from professional play, Draper is stepping into the spotlight as the face of British men’s tennis.
While Murray transitions into coaching alongside Novak Djokovic, Draper is preparing to take on the responsibility of representing Britain at the highest level, starting with the Australian Open in January.
Carrying the Torch from Murray
The transition from Murray to Draper as Britain’s No.1 male tennis player marks a significant shift.
Yet, Draper is unfazed by the weight of expectations. “I’m not afraid,” Draper asserts.
“I want that responsibility. I’m not sitting at home worrying about being Britain’s No.1—I’m focused on improving every day.”
With a breakthrough season that included titles in Stuttgart and Vienna, a semi-final appearance at the US Open, and a rise to world No.15, Draper’s journey has been marked by resilience and progress.
While Draper acknowledges Murray’s legendary status, he remains focused on carving his own path.
Reflecting on Murray’s decision to coach Djokovic, Draper praises the Scotsman’s dedication to the sport.
“Andy’s tennis brain is huge. He’ll thrive as a coach, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how he works with one of his greatest rivals,” Draper says.
Finding Strength in Setbacks
Draper’s standout moment of 2023 was not a victory but the aftermath of a painful defeat at the French Open.
A first-round loss to qualifier Jesper de Jong left him questioning his potential.
“Coming home from Paris, I was all over the place,” Draper recalls.
“I wasn’t the player I wanted to be. But looking back, that moment of doubt became the turning point of my season.”
Draper used the setback as motivation, channeling his energy into becoming a stronger, more focused player.
This mindset has fueled Draper’s ambition to close the gap with tennis’s elite, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
“The main difference between me and them is experience,” Draper says.
“I’ve played 120 matches at the top level, while they’ve played 300 or more. But my confidence and tactical awareness have grown significantly. I’m ready to compete with the best.”
Lessons from the US Open
One of Draper’s most challenging matches came during the US Open semi-final against Sinner, where he battled intense stomach pain caused by medication for an ankle injury.
Despite vomiting on court, Draper fought valiantly, demonstrating the resilience reminiscent of Murray’s finest moments.
“It was a tough experience, but it taught me a lot about myself and how to manage my body,” Draper explains.
Balancing Ambition with Purpose
Draper’s passion for tennis is matched by his dedication to causes close to his heart.
His grandmother, Brenda, who inspired his love for the sport, now battles Alzheimer’s.
As an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, Draper is committed to raising awareness and funds for the disease. “Having a purpose outside of tennis is crucial,” Draper says.
“Walking along the Thames for the Memory Walk with my family and friends felt meaningful—it’s about more than just hitting tennis balls.”
Looking Ahead
As Draper prepares for the 2024 season, he is driven by a sense of purpose and ambition.
With a strong foundation of resilience and determination, he is ready to lead British tennis into a new era.
Whether on the court or off, Draper is focused on making an impact, proving that he’s not just Britain’s No.1 but a player ready to take on the world.