“Tennis isn’t huge…,” Jack Draper makes feelings known on Emma Raducanu’s role in British tennis after reaching Indian Wells quarterfinals
World No.55 Emma Raducanu recently participated at the Indian Wells where she suffered a first-round exit.
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Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper (Image via X)
Jack Draper is into his first Indian Wells quarterfinals. On Wednesday (March 12), the Brit defeated Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-4 to register a second consecutive victory over the American in their five meetings.
Draper is currently the British No.1, and following his win over Fritz, he commented on the popularity of tennis in the UK. He said that during Wimbledon, the people of Britain are “massively into tennis” as it’s one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Draper lauded former World No.1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray for his impact on British tennis.
I think we have been extremely fortunate obviously to have Andy Murray and other players who have really, you know, shown me the way and inspired me to be a top player in myself. I’d say our actual culture for tennis isn’t huge in the UK. Obviously other tennis nations, you know, I think have it better with Italy and Spain and France.
Jack Draper said at the press conference
Murray called time on his career at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He then joined Novak Djokovic‘s team as his coach and under him, the Serb made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open. The 23-year-old is also expecting good results from himself as well as Emma Raducanu during the grass season this year.
They love tennis a lot more than we do as a nation, but I think, you know, hopefully with what’s to come with the grass and hopefully players like myself and Emma and other top players coming through that, we can really put on a good show and inspire a lot of people to play.
Jack Draper added
Draper has set up a quarterfinal clash with Ben Shelton, who moved past compatriot Brandon Nakashima. The Brit has never faced the 22-year-old before.
WTA CEO comments on Emma Raducanu’s stalking incident
Emma Raducanu suffered a panic attack during the Dubai Open second round against Karolina Muchova. She spotted a stalker in the stands and hid behind the umpire’s chair to compose herself.
The stalker has been given a restraining order by Dubai police. The Brit later was seen crying when she reunited with her family at London airport. WTA CEO Portia Archer recently commented on the incident.
The WTA has invested a great deal of resources into the safety and well-being of our players and it’s a priority for the organization. I wouldn’t call it a security failure at all. As soon as we became aware of the threat, we acted immediately. But we will look at ways to improve.
Portia Archer told BBC Sport
Raducanu almost withdrew from the ongoing Indian Wells due to the distressing incident. She decided to play in the end but was knocked out of the first round.
Emma Raducanu’s search for second WTA title continues
Emma Raducanu became the cynosure of all eyes when she won the 2021 US Open as a teenager with a straight-set win over Leylah Fernandez. She scripted history in the tournament as she became the first qualifier to win a Major.
Since then, Raducanu failed to lift another WTA title. Poor form and injury led to early exits and mid-match retirements. In 2023, Raducanu had multiple surgeries and had played in less than 15 tournaments the following year.
This year as well, Raducanu’s struggles continue. She started the 2025 season at the Australian Open and reached the third round for the first time at the Melbourne Slam. The 22-year-old then fell in the opening round in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, before her defeat in the third round in Dubai and first round in the California desert.
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