“He can get to the top of his game,” Andy Murray believes Jack Draper has bigger goals than being British No.1

Jack Draper to play Mariano Navone in the first round of the Queen's tournament.

“He can get to the top of his game,” Andy Murray believes Jack Draper has bigger goals than being British No.1

Andy Murray and Jack Draper (Images via Imago)

British sensation Jack Draper won his maiden ATP title in Stuttgart after beating Italian Matteo Berrettini in the final. The 22-year-old has been enduring a difficult first full ATP season after enjoying a great spell in the Challengers. Fellow countryman and legend Andy Murray has lauded the youngster for his success, admitting he can be World No. 1.

Draper earned his tennis spotlight by reaching the fourth round of the US Open last year, where he notably defeated Top 10 Hubert Hurkacz. However, this season has been challenging for the 22-year-old. A string of poor results at the Monte Carlo, Madrid Open, and Italian Open has made this season particularly tough for Draper.

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He could only save it with a quarterfinals reach at the Munich Open. But while hoping to get his clay season on track, a further first-round exit at the Geneva Open and French Open saw him drop to No. 40. However, Draper changed everything at the Stuttgart Open when he shockingly beat the defending champion Frances Tiafoe en route to the final.

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Jack Draper with his first ATP title
Jack Draper with his first ATP title (via Imago)

He then came from behind to beat Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 to claim the Stuttgart title and his maiden ATP title. The victory now sees Draper climb to No. 31, making him the British No.1 at the moment. Compatriot Andy Murray believes he has better goals than being British No. 1.

Jack, I think, has bigger goals to aspire to than being British No. 1. In my opinion, he can get right up to the top of the game, right to the top of the world rankings.
Andy Murray said via Eurosport

Murray praised also the player’s passion for tennis, his dedication and hard work. He noted that grass was a particularly favorable surface for Draper’s playing style. Murray congratulated the youngster on winning his first ATP tournament and expressed genuine happiness for his achievement.

Draper will be hoping to build on the form this grass season. He will be competing at Wimbledon which starts on July 1 after failing to participate last year due to a shoulder injury.

Jack Draper hoping to take Stuttgart form into the Queen’s Club Championships

Jack Draper will be hoping to earn another title as he heads into the Queen’s Club Championship ahead of Wimbledon. The 22-year-old would face Argentine Mariano Navone in the first round of the Queen’s tournament on Tuesday.

The Brit is yet to find consistent in his game, but he is hoping to get a good rest ahead of the remaining grass tournaments.

Jack Draper
Jack Draper (via Imago)
My body feels great, I feel confident, I’ll get some rest, then get used to the courts and play on Tuesday. Take every day as it comes.
Jack Draper said via Ubitennis

However, Draper’s hopes for consecutive titles look difficult as French Open Champion Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed and defending champion at the Queen’s Championship.

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