How Draper beat adversity to become a world star
The British speaks exclusively with atptour.com
May 03, 2025
ATP Tour/Getty Imagesby this ATEDIDE ATP
It has been a decisive season for Jack Draper, who won his first ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells and will try to get another trophy of this level on Sunday against Casper Ruud in the final of Mutua Madrid Open.
Atptour.com recently met Draper at the beginning of his career towards the title at the ATP Masters 1000 Californian to talk about the struggles that have taken him to success and how the steps on his way have joined, allowing him to become one of the best players in the world.
What has been its greatest success?
I think the results are important, but I think [se trata] to overcome many different adversities, through the challengers and futures and reach this level, be in the position I am and play in incredible tournaments. I remember everything that I have happened to this point. So, I suppose that simply deal with the adversity that I have passed to this point.
What is the greatest difficulty or adversity that has had to overcome?
Tennis is a quite individual and lonely sport sometimes. And I think sometimes, mentally, it can be quite difficult. But I see everything as a challenge. And I think that with the injuries and many different things, I have had many moments in which I have been quite lost with him. But I am in a good place, really stable, and I think that is the biggest victory I have.
What has been the most unique moment of your career?
I have had many, many incredible experiences playing in elite tournaments. I think I can play against Djokovic and Rafa at the beginning of my career on the world’s biggest clues. I played against Djokovic on the central track of Wimbledon and against Rafa in Melbourne. Playing those tennis legends was incredible at such an early age.
What is your favorite ATP tournament?
I have to say that [Indian Wells está] up there. Maybe Tokyo Open. I like it a lot. I love people. I think it’s a great tournament. Obviously, a big city. My racket brand is Dunlop, and I have always had a close relationship with them, and they have always treated me incredibly well when I am there. I feel at home. Fans are also incredible.
What is the most interesting experience you have lived outside the track as a professional tennis player?
Travel from city to city, see the world many, many times … I have had so many that it is difficult to think about one. But, in general, seeing cities and different cultures always leaves me speechless.
On the track, what is your favorite tennis rivalry?
I used to see. Murray when he was younger. Obviously, I could say, Djokovic and Rafa, things like that. But from the British point of view, I love seeing Murray-Djokovic, Murray-Rafa. I would say Murray-Rafa. I loved that confrontation.
Who is your biggest rival?
I think I haven’t found it in the ATP Tour yet. Since I was very young, I have had many in the United Kingdom. And one of the boys who is emerging now on the Tour is Jacob Fearnley. He is a good friend and also a good competitor. So I would say that, since he was young, he was probably him. I hope to play against him many times, since I am from the same country.
