Jack Draper Says He’s A “Bit More Confident and Calm” Despite the Mounting Pressure and Expectations on Him

Jack Draper is the only player in the ATP this season to reach two Masters 1000 finals and is currently in the Top 5 of the men's circuit.

Jack Draper Says He’s A “Bit More Confident and Calm” Despite the Mounting Pressure and Expectations on Him

Jack Draper (via X/ATP)

12 months before the Madrid Open, Jack Draper was ranked outside of the world’s top 40 in the ATP and was yet to win a title above the 250-level in the men’s circuit. Currently, he is in the top 5 and already has a Masters 1000 title to show for it. But despite the pressure and expectations from fans, the British star says he’s more confident and calmer on the court.

Draper continued his amazing growth in the ATP this season by reaching his first final of the season, the Qatar Open. He lost the title to Andrey Rublev but did well to progress past the loss and get into his first Masters 1000 final. The 23-year-old defeated Holger Rune at the Indian Wells to win his career biggest title.

He entered the clay season without a very good experience of the surface, but showed his quick adaptability by reaching the final of the Madrid Open. In fact, en route to the championship match, he did not drop a single set. Nevertheless, he lost to eventual champion Casper Ruud in three sets.

Draper, who’s the British World No.1, became the second left-handed player since Rafael Nadal to enter the Top 5 of the ATP rankings. His continued growth has brought fame and pressure, but he admits that he’s calmer on the court than previously.

There are more commitments, more eyes on you. I feel a bit more confident in myself, calmer, walking around the tournaments thinking I belong a bit more at the top level, among the top-ranked players. It just feels great, a dream come true. I’ve always feared a lot of things, I definitely feared my opponents. People can say that’s being open and vulnerable, but for me, honestly, that’s the thing I wouldn’t change out of anything.

Jack Draper said via Sky Sports

Draper is the only player in the ATP who has been to two Masters 1000 finals this season. The British star has excelled beyond expectations and is now expected to take over from where the retired Andy Murray left off.

Jack Draper says he still experiences fears and doubts about his game on the court

Jack Draper first announced himself at the US Open last year when he reached his first Grand Slam semi-finals. This year, he has continued his upward stride in the ATP rankings and has continued to evolve in his game. However, during the aforementioned interview, he revealed that he still experiences fear and doubt but uses it to his advantage.

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

Regardless of my ranking I’ve always been the same. I’ve used that fear and doubt to motivate me to want to do the best I can for every match. Nothing changes regardless of what level I am. The rankings are important but at the same time winning a Masters 100, a 500, a 250, and making the semis of a Grand Slam all in the last year is something that I can always draw back on when I’m feeling low on confidence and say ‘you’re a good player.

Jack Draper said

Draper is currently in Rome ahead of the Italian Open. He reached the second round of the competition last year after losing to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. At this year’s edition, he hopes to get past that stage.

Concerns about Jack Draper ahead of his Italian Open match

Jack Draper played four matches in four days at the Madrid Open to reach the final. He now has just less than six days to recover and play in the Italian Open. It will be the second time this other the World No.1 will not get more than a week’s rest before another tournament. The first time he didn’t have enough recovery time was at the Miami Open, where he lost in the second round just days after winning the Indian Wells.

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

The 23-year-old has struggled with several injuries in his career, but has done well to be fit in the past one and a half years. However, there are concerns that his lack of rest ahead of the Italian Open can see him crash out early. He faces Luciano Darderi in the second round on Friday (May 9) at the Italian Open.

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