Jack Draper Emerges as the New Face of British Tennis with US Open Surge

Jack Draper, long touted as Andy Murray’s natural successor, has made a significant mark at the US Open, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in his career. The 22-year-old left-hander has become the first British man to reach this stage at Flushing Meadows since his idol, Murray, in 2016.

Draper’s success feels symbolic, coming in the first major tournament since Murray’s retirement. The baton has been passed, and Draper is now firmly grasping it. “To follow in Andy’s footsteps, it’s a big achievement for me,” said Draper, who faces Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.

Draper’s journey to the last eight has been impressive. He dispatched Czech opponent Tomas Machac with a performance described as a “masterclass” by former British number one Tim Henman. Draper has yet to face a higher-ranked opponent but has played with a calmness and clarity that has left his rivals in submission.

Off the court, Draper has remained focused, sticking to a disciplined routine amid the distractions of New York City. His professionalism has paid off, with Draper emerging as a serious contender in a US Open men’s draw that saw early exits for Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

Draper’s rise has been anything but smooth. His 2022 and 2023 seasons were plagued by injuries, leading to doubts about his physical durability. However, Draper has worked hard to overcome these setbacks, building up his body with the help of fitness trainer Steve Kotze and physio Will Herbert, known as “The Mechanic” for his work with Emma Raducanu.

Now injury-free, Draper is reaping the rewards. He won his first ATP title in Stuttgart, followed by a victory over Alcaraz at Queen’s, and is now on the verge of a breakthrough at the US Open.

Off the court, Draper has also caught the eye, with appearances in fashion magazines like Vogue and Tatler. Despite the glamour, Draper remains grounded, describing himself as a “big family guy” and crediting the support of his family, particularly his mother Nicky, a coach and former junior champion.