Jack Draper pays a ‘unique’ tribute to Andy Murray after reaching US Open quarterfinal
Jack Draper becomes the first British man to reach the US Open quarterfinal since Andy Murray in the 2016 edition.
Andy Murray and Jack Draper (via X)
Jack Draper advanced to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal by beating Tomas Machac 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 in the US Open fourth round. The Briton’s best Grand Slam performance before this tournament was reaching the fourth round, which also came at Flushing Meadows.
Draper became the first British man since Andy Murray in 2016 to reach the US Open quarterfinals. The left-hander was quick to pay tribute to the Scottish legend after his win.
No, Andy, I obviously miss you. Shout out to him. What an unbelievable career the guy has had. Icon of the game. I miss him in the changing rooms. I miss being next to his stinky shoes and all of his stinky clothes. Andy is a legend. If I have half the career that he’s had, then I’ll be a happy man.Jack Draper said in his post-match interview
Draper entered the US Open following heavy criticism of his controversial storylines in Cincinnati. The 22-year-old was accused of cheating in his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime in Ohio.
Draper would be pleased to put those incidents behind him and deliver the best performance of his career in a Grand Slam. He is now three wins away from becoming the first British Men’s Grand Slam singles champion since Murray at Wimbledon in 2016.
The relationship between Andy Murray and Jack Draper
Jack Draper was just 11 years old when he watched Andy Murray win the Wimbledon title in 2013. Murray became the first British man to win the title at the All-England Club in 77 years. Ever since that historic win, Draper considers the 37-year-old as his idol.
Now 22, Draper looks up to Murray as both a friend and a role model in tennis. He aims to reach the high standards set by the former World No.1. Murray retired from professional tennis at the Paris Olympics and was honored with a farewell ceremony at Wimbledon. Draper and many other players paid tribute to the 37-year-old’s incredible career.
On the professional tour, Draper and Murray have faced each other only once. Draper won that match, which took place at Indian Wells last year. However, their relationship goes beyond just that encounter.
Their first meeting was at the Battle of the Brits in December 2022, an exhibition event in Aberdeen. Murray won the match in a tight contest that ended in a Match Tie-break. After the match, they shared a warm hug, showing the respect and bond between them.
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Fahad Hamid
(273 Articles Published)