US Open 2023: Jack Draper to take on Andrey Rublev in thrilling New York last 16 showdown
The Rise and Resilience of Jack Draper: A Tennis Phenom
Jack Draper, the 21-year-old British tennis sensation, has left a lasting impression on the minds of avid followers of the sport. His undeniable potential sets an incredibly high bar for his future endeavors, but there is one crucial caveat – his ability to stay fit.
In the previous year, Draper experienced a meteoric rise in the world rankings, reaching an impressive career-high position of 38th in January. However, since then, his progress has been hindered by a series of unfortunate injuries that have stalled his ascent.
A recent shoulder problem even jeopardized his participation in this year’s US Open. In fact, just days before the tournament began, Draper himself acknowledged that there was only a “70-30” chance he would be able to compete in the final Grand Slam event of the season.
Yet true to his resilient nature, Draper defied expectations and embarked on an impressive journey to reach the last 16 at Flushing Meadows. On Monday evening at approximately 18:30 BST, he will face off against Russian eighth seed Andrey Rublev with hopes of advancing further into uncharted territory – securing a place in the quarter-finals.
“At the start of this week,” revealed Draper candidly during an interview post-match,” I had genuine concerns about my physical condition. Considering everything I’ve endured this year so far… there were doubts as to whether I could even play a single match.”
“But when I step onto that court,” he continued with determination glimmering in his eyes,”I am not content with mere participation or simply being grateful for being present here; my inner competitor awakens and I strive to emerge victorious in every single match.”
Draper’s strong belief in his abilities is evident as he fearlessly takes on any opponent with unwavering confidence. Notable victories against top-10 players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime during the latter stages of last year catapulted his rise through the rankings.
Even against legendary figures such as Rafael Nadal, Draper demonstrated his potential by winning a set before succumbing to cramping at the Australian Open.
However, opportunities to test himself against top-tier competitors have been scarce due to recurring injuries. A shoulder injury suffered at the French Open became another stumbling block for Draper, leaving him dejected and labeled as “the guy who is injured a lot” by British media.
“I hated being that person,” confessed Draper solemnly while reflecting on this challenging journey back from injury.
A muscle tear further delayed his return until just last month when he made a triumphant comeback. Unfortunately, fate dealt him yet another blow when he encountered a similar issue that cast doubt over his participation in the US Open.
Despite these setbacks, fellow British player Dan Evans applauded Draper’s exceptional achievement of reaching the last 16 after limited match practice – a testament to his class as an athlete. Katie Boulter, who herself experienced fitness struggles but managed to become the British number one this year, echoed this sentiment: “It is incredibly impressive; people don’t fully comprehend how difficult it is to bounce back from an injury.”
Proudly reflecting on how well his body has held up throughout this tournament at Flushing Meadows, Draper expressed his desire for continued progress. As he prepares to face Andrey Rublev, an esteemed player in the fourth round, Draper acknowledges the challenge but remains determined.
“Andrey is undeniably a formidable opponent; like anyone you encounter at this stage of a Grand Slam event, his game is strong and he exudes confidence on court,” admitted Draper.
While Jack Draper may still be establishing himself at the highest level of professional tennis, his name has long been recognized within British tennis circles. His mother Nicky, herself a coach and former junior champion, plays a significant role in shaping his career. Meanwhile, his father Roger served as the Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association – highlighting how deeply rooted Jack’s passion for tennis truly is.
Outside of tennis, it’s worth noting that Draper harbors an avid interest in football as an ardent Manchester United supporter. However, when not competing or training vigorously on tour, he finds solace in embracing normalcy by spending quality time with loved ones – including cherished moments shared with friends and even his beloved labradoodle named Aussie.