Jack Draper’s journey in tennis has been nothing short of inspiring.
From battling injuries to becoming one of the world’s top-ranked players, his determination to succeed has been tested time and time again.
As Draper prepares to compete in Rome as the new world No. 5, let’s look back at some pivotal moments that have defined his career.
1. 2023 French Open: A Painful Beginning
In the first round of the 2023 French Open, Draper faced Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but a shoulder injury cut his match short.
Despite his best efforts, including serving underarm to manage the pain, Draper retired from the match after just one set.
It was a devastating moment, marking his 12th career retirement due to injuries that had plagued him since his teenage years.
He questioned his future in tennis, wondering if he was working hard enough or if he was cut out for the sport.
In his own words, Draper felt “mentally destroyed” and hated being known as the injury-prone player.
Yet, this experience became a turning point.
Draper realized he had to give everything to tennis if he wanted to succeed.
2. 2024 Miami Masters: Close Losses, Crucial Lessons
The 2024 Miami Masters saw Draper’s resilience put to the test once again.
He lost to Nicholas Jarry in a nail-biting match that ended in a third-set tiebreak.
This loss was the first of a series of similar defeats, including matches against Hubert Hurkacz and Taylor Fritz, all of which ended in heartbreaking tiebreaks.
Draper’s coach, James Trotman, saw these back-to-back losses as a valuable lesson for the young player.
It was a “lightbulb moment” for Draper, who realized that while losing was part of the journey, he needed to do so on his own terms.
Draper resolved to play with more aggression and to stop letting his opponents intimidate him.
3. 2024 Stuttgart: A Breakthrough Title
Draper’s newfound aggression paid off at the 2024 Stuttgart Open, where he claimed his first ATP title.
After losing the first set in the final, Draper came back to defeat Matteo Berrettini, a grass-court specialist.
His victory marked a significant milestone, freeing him from the negative emotions and pressure he had been carrying.
What made this win even more special was that it came in a deciding set, something Draper had struggled with before.
This was a sign that his body was adapting to the demands of the ATP tour, and his mindset was shifting from one of doubt to one of confidence.
4. 2024 Queen’s Club: A Signature Win
At Queen’s Club in 2024, Draper’s aggressive style of play shone through once again as he defeated world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the last 16.
Draper’s victory over Alcaraz was a significant achievement, as it proved that he could compete with the very best.
The match took place in front of Draper’s grandfather, adding an emotional layer to the win.
Draper’s determination to challenge the top players in the world was no longer just talk—it was a reality.
5. 2025 Australian Open: A Test of Mental and Physical Strength
Draper entered the 2025 Australian Open with a hip injury that had disrupted his pre-season training.
Despite being rusty and in pain, he fought through three five-set matches, including a dramatic win over Aleksandar Vukic in the third round.
Draper admitted that the thought of pushing his body through such grueling matches had always scared him, but these victories proved to him that he was capable of handling it.
His mental and physical resilience had been tested, and he had passed with flying colors.
6. 2025 Indian Wells: Beating Alcaraz Again
Draper’s victory over Alcaraz at the 2025 Indian Wells semi-final was a monumental achievement.
Alcaraz had been aiming for his third consecutive title at the tournament, but Draper’s relentless play earned him a place in the final.
The match was emotionally intense, with Draper finding himself drained after Alcaraz made a comeback.
However, Draper regained his composure and played a flawless final set.
The win was significant, as it showed that Draper’s presence on the ATP tour had grown, and even established stars like Alcaraz were beginning to fear his game.
7. 2025 Madrid Open: Proving Himself on Clay
Draper’s performance in the 2025 Madrid Open semi-final against Lorenzo Musetti was a statement.
Musetti, known for his prowess on clay, was outmatched by Draper, who played with exceptional speed and power.
This win proved that Draper was no longer just a threat on hard courts and grass but could also excel on clay.
Draper had always believed that his game suited clay, and this performance proved him right.
Although he lost in the final to Casper Ruud, Draper finished the tournament as the world No. 5, showing that his rise to the top was no fluke.
8. Redesigning the Pietrangeli Court: Tradition Meets Innovation
During his first visit to Rome’s Foro Italico, Draper had a mixed experience.
The venue, renowned for its beauty and historical significance, was home to the Nicola Pietrangeli stadium, a court surrounded by Greco-Roman statues.
However, Draper was dismayed to see that the Italian Open had added six new stands, which overshadowed the statues and disrupted the court’s traditional aesthetics.
While the increased capacity was beneficial, it felt like the essence of the venue had been altered. Rome, with its deep appreciation for history, seemed to have sacrificed tradition for innovation.
It raised the question of whether all changes to historical venues are for the better.
Casper Ruud: A Hard-Earned Victory
While British fans might have hoped for a Draper win at the Madrid Open, it was impossible not to feel happy for Casper Ruud.
After a string of losses in Masters finals, the Norwegian finally won his first Masters 1000 title.
Ruud, who has been open about his mental health struggles, shared a message of support for Iga Swiatek after her loss, showing the kind side of the athlete.
It was a reminder that what you put out into the world can come back to you, as Ruud’s perseverance was rewarded with a well-deserved victory.
Victoria Mboko: A Rising Star
Victoria Mboko, the 18-year-old Canadian, continues to make waves in the tennis world.
After a stellar start to the season, Mboko won her fifth ITF title, earning her a wildcard into the Miami Open.
She made a strong debut at the WTA level, defeating former world No. 2 Paula Badosa and winning two Billie Jean King Cup matches.
Most recently, she qualified for the main draw at the Italian Open in Rome, marking another step in her rapid ascent.
Keep an eye on this young talent—her future in tennis looks incredibly bright.
Jack Draper: A Player to Watch
Jack Draper has faced his fair share of challenges, but he has continually silenced his doubters.
From doubts about his fitness to questions about his ability to compete at the highest level, Draper has proven everyone wrong.
Now, as a top-five player in the world, his journey serves as a reminder that perseverance, self-belief, and the will to succeed can overcome even the toughest obstacles.