Jack Draper ready to ‘shake up’ his game in order to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner next year
Jack Draper has set his sights on challenging Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in 2025 after winning the Erste Bank Open.
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Jack Draper, (in circle) Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (via Evening Standard/Tennis Gazette)
Jack Draper has been the best player in British men’s tennis this season. The 22-year-old won his second career ATP title at the Erste Bank Open after beating Karen Khachanov in straight sets. After the victory, the British star revealed that he is aiming to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz next year.
After suffering a lot of setbacks in previous years, Draper has managed to stay injury-free this season. The British No. 1 began to find his game rhythm in November last year when he reached the final of the Sofia Open. He reached a second consecutive ATP final at the Adelaide Open in January but lost to Jiri Lecheka.
Draper claimed his first title at the Stuttgart Open, beating Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the final. He has met both Sinner and Alcaraz this season. He faced the former at the US Open semifinals (lost in straight sets) and met the latter at the Queen’s Club Championship (won in straight sets).
The Sutton native is staying optimistic and stated that he has set his sights on challenging the two top ATP stars next year. He also admitted that he is aiming to improve his game and physicality.
I’ll refresh and I’ll go again for next year with even bigger motivation to really shake up those guys at the top of the game – the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz. If I can keep on improving physically and keep on getting more and more experience at this higher level against top players then I’m going to give myself a shot to hopefully be competing with those guys. But there’s a lot of work to do.
Jack Draper said during a post match press conference
Draper dropped only one set en route to the Erste Bank Open title win. He will not have much time to celebrate it as he will be back on the court for the Paris Masters on Tuesday (October 29), where he faces Jiri Lecheka in the Round of 64.
Jack Draper excited about playing his best tennis in an injury-free 2024 season
Jack Draper began the year as World No. 61 and has since climbed into the Top 20. He reached a new career-high ranking of World No. 15 after beating Karen Khachanov to claim the Vienna title. The British star’s 37-21 win-loss record is the best in his career so far.
Draper’s success on the court this year is in part due to him staying injury-free for most of the season. He stated that he knew he would be a good player if only he had played without injuries.
I knew if I could just get my body and mind in a good place then my tennis is good enough to play these best players in the world and by having these type of results I’ve got this inner belief now.
Jack Draper said (via SkySports)
Draper reached his first Grand Slam semifinals at the US Open in September. He will be looking forward to winning his first Grand Slam next year and an injury-free 2025.
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Victor Okechukwu
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