Jack Draper admits he’s “struggled” on clay before but believes he’s “transitioned well” after reaching his first Monte Carlo R16

Jack Draper earned his 10th clay career victory after beating Marcos Giron in straight sets in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Jack Draper admits he’s “struggled” on clay before but believes he’s “transitioned well” after reaching his first Monte Carlo R16

Jack Draper (via X/ATP)

Jack Draper has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season and is now ranked in the Top 10 for the first time in his career. The British star has been one of the most improved players on the court in recent months. Featuring his first European clay tournament of the year, he is excited to reach his maiden Monte Carlo Masters Round of 16.

Draper first made his name on the big stage at the 2024 US Open when he reached the semifinals of the Grand Slam event. However, it was at the Indian Wells that he took home the biggest title of his career after beating Holger Rune in the final. In fact, the British No.1 ended Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of winning the title for the third consecutive time.

Nonetheless, before the clay season, there were questions about whether he would be able to play at the same level on the surface considering his form on clay. He had won only nine matches in his entire career on clay before facing Marcos Giron in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. But the British star took perfect control of the match beating the American 6-1, 6-1.

After the victory, Draper, who looked super confident on the court, revealed that he was happy to continue with hard court form on clay. The British star added that he hopes to have a good run at the tournament.

I feel like I’ve been transitioning well to the clay, been working really hard to look for my forehand and do all of the right things to be effective on this surface. I’ve struggled a little bit in the last couple of years, but I’m really hoping this year, with my new tennis, that I can have a good run.

Jack Draper said

Clay court remains the only surface Draper has yet to win a title. Before the 2024 season, he had only four wins on the surface and added five last season. His win over Giron makes it his 10th win in clay.

Jack Draper focused on working despite knowing that “people are going after him”

There’s no doubt that Jack Draper has had a successful start to the season. He now sits as the World No.6 in the ATP rankings and has been to two finals this year. But that has also made him a target for players, who aim to beat him because of his ranking position. He revealed after his first round win at Monte Carlo that he’s adjusting to the pressure.

Jack Draper (4)
Jack Draper (Image via X/ The Tennis Letter)

I’m obviously growing in confidence, more experiences, it’s obviously a bit of an adjustment. Last year coming here I was 40-odd in the world, now I’m number six, so it’s been an amazing year but I want to keep up the hard work. I know people are going to be after me, that’s for sure, so I’m ready to keep on competing really hard and trying to put my tennis out on the court.

Jack Draper said

Draper suffered an early defeat at the Miami Open, just two weeks after winning the Indian Wells. The British star has been catapulted to fame since his success and will continue to be a target for players.

Jack Draper suffer defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters

Jack Draper crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters following a three-set defeat against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Round of 16. Draper was seeking for his 11th clay win but a confident Davidovich Fokina, who grew up playing on Spanish clay courts, proved to be a tricky opponent for the British star.

Jack Draper (4)
Jack Draper (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Draper was down 3-6 in the first set but did well to fight his way back into the match by winning a nervy tiebreak in the second set. But he couldn’t continue the momentum as the Spaniard increased the level of his serve, while Draper hit 10 double faults in the match. He lost the tie 3-6, 7-6(6), 4-6.

He will now have to make a strong preparation for the Madrid Open, which begins on April 23rd. He has opted not to feature in any tournament before the tournament, but that may cost him as he needs to play more matches on the clay.