Draper, soon to be back on court : “I believe I can reach the top”
Jack Draper is preparing to return to competition at the UTS Grand Final in London (December 5-7), three months after withdrawing from the US Open due to an arm injury. The British No.1 shares his short- and long-term goals as he looks ahead to the event.
Jack Draper, portrait | © UTS
Jack, it feels like it’s been a while since we’ve spoken to you in the tennis world. Your season ending didn’t really go to plan. Can you tell us a little bit about that bone bruising in your arm injury that stopped your season after the US Open? How did it come about and what was that like for you?
Jack Draper: Yeah, I first started feeling something different in Madrid this year. I played through it until Wimbledon, then got a scan showing a bone bruise in my humerus. There’s been a bit of an epidemic of these in tennis recently. It was tough to accept, especially after working so hard on all other areas. This injury felt out of my control. I tried to push through with workouts for the US Open but had to withdraw and take time off.
How difficult was it to accept that meant the end of your season, especially when your ranking was climbing fast, til the 4th rank (he’s No. 10 currently) and you had big goals ahead?
Jack Draper: Very difficult. But sport has its highs and lows. I was on an amazing trajectory, my tennis and body were improving all the time. Adversity always makes me stronger, so I try not to dwell and keep going.
Has the forced time off helped, given how tough the tennis schedule is?
Jack Draper: Exactly. I used it as a chance to look forward. Hopefully, the best years of my career are still ahead of me as I am 23. Tennis keeps you busy, so it was nice to take my first holiday in ten years – I went to Portugal to relax and take my mind off tennis, keeping my body in good shape.
Have you made any tweaks to your game due to the injury, especially with your serve and forehand?
Jack Draper: Potentially. I’m still building my forehand back, and I like to attack with it, so I have to be careful. My serve is also recovering. I want to get back to 100% first, then see what I need to adjust.
You will be back on court at UTS Grand Final, December 5 to 7. You made your first UTS appearance in 2023 as world number 60, no ATP titles but a final. How has the journey been from ATP No.60 to No. 4? From a UTS crown to the Top 10 ?
Jack Draper: UTS was a great springboard. Being in London with a home crowd and my coach on court was fantastic. It gave me confidence going into 2024. It was a different vibe, playing with some great players. There’s so much going in a UTS match, it demands a lot mentally and physically. My breathing was trying to keep up with my mind’s pace.
The UTS trophy at my mum’s house on top of my bedroom cabinet. It reminds me of the tattoo I got inspired by it.
You handled it well and beat some top-ten players, like Holger Rune twice. Did you surprise yourself adapting to this fast format?
Jack Draper: I got used to it. Even the first practice was tough cardio. Some players like the hard physicality, and I think it’s good for getting used to playing many points repeatedly.
Competition-wise, how do you feel about the upcoming UTS final?
Jack Draper: I feel ready and excited. I love competing and it’s been a while. Playing in London again with tough opponents — Rublev, de Minaur, Ruud — will be a great test.
You won the 2023 lightning bolt trophy. Where is it now?
Jack Draper: It’s at my mum’s house on top of my bedroom cabinet. It reminds me of the tattoo I got inspired by it.
Are you getting the tattoo lasered off as rumored?
Jack Draper: No, it just faded a bit. When I got it, it was black and bold, now it’s dimmer, which fits better with sleeveless tops.
Regarding the UTS format and only having one serve, how does that fit with your game?
Jack Draper: I think it fits well. I’m strong off the baseline and have an effective serve. The serve and return work well for me, and my endurance has improved, so it suits my style.
Will you approach it the same as before?
Jack Draper: It was a while ago, so I’ll rethink my strategy, but I’ll approach with the best mindset and compete every point.
As British number one, how do you balance responsibility and pressure?
Jack Draper: It’s an honor and privilege. My goal was always to be one of the best, not specifically British number one, but it came with success. I enjoy it but don’t overthink it. The crowd will help a lot, especially against tough opponents. I’ve competed for a while and need that crowd energy. I’ve never played at Copper Box before but am looking forward to the packed, lively atmosphere.
I want to be top four in Grand Slams, break into the top ten, and win more 250 and 500 tournaments. I want more consistency in big events and deeper runs.
Do you enjoy the competition from younger British players?
Jack Draper: Absolutely. I support them and want them to succeed. It’s great for British tennis to have a strong group pushing for that spot.
What are your main goals for next year?
Jack Draper: To get back on court firing and competing. I want to be among the best and keep improving. With hard work, my team, and staying injury free, I believe I can reach the top.
What does the next step look like?
Jack Draper: I’d like to go beyond semifinals, be top four in Grand Slams, break into the top ten, and win more 250 and 500 tournaments. I want more consistency in big events and deeper runs.
Do rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannick Sinner set a high bar?
Jack Draper: Yes, they’re way ahead. I’ve set a bar for now but it’s up to the newer players to challenge and end their dominance.
