Former British primary Tim Henman has backed younger Jack Draper to interrupt into the world’s high 10 so long as he continues to concentrate on his preparation and efficiency.
Draper gained his first profession ATP Tour title in Stuttgart earlier this summer time earlier than defeating Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s Membership to develop into the brand new British No.1.
It is a far cry from the place he was 12 months in the past, when he missed your entire grass-court season with a shoulder downside.
The 22-year-old southpaw has struggled with some bodily illnesses prior to now, however is now on an upward trajectory and is ranked within the high 30 on the earth.
Because the U.S. Open approaches, the British media and public will see Draper because the pure alternative for Murray after the 37-year-old introduced the tip of his profession on the Paris Olympics.
“I do not suppose there’s that a lot strain on Draper, however it’s essential that Jack actually focuses and continues to focus as a result of it will depend on his preparation and efficiency. He is trying to enhance completely different elements of his sport,” Henman informed sky sports activities.
“He isn’t attempting to be the brand new Andy Murray. He is attempting to be Jack Draper and he is improved loads.
“I believe it is extra of the identical. He is trending in the correct route, he is high 30 on the earth, he’ll be seeded in New York, so I hope he can get into the highest 20 and high 10 within the close to future.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
A glance again at Draper’s sensational victory on the Stuttgart Open
Draper has a profitable working relationship with Cameron Norrie’s former coach James Trotman and two-time Australian Open semi-finalist Wayne Ferreira.
Henman believes profitable his first title in Stuttgart will play an enormous function in Draper’s confidence and perception heading into the US Open, the place the Brit reached the fourth spherical final yr.
“The challenges across the tennis schedule are within the calendar, we do have 4 Grand Slams in about three months’ time. You have acquired Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympics and now you have acquired The Olympics, so it is very tough to be on the high of all these occasions, however to win your first title on tour is a large breakthrough,” Henman mentioned.
“It is nice to your personal private confidence as a result of Jack hasn’t been performing to the extent he wished to in the previous couple of tournaments, however he can actually attempt to flip that round as we go into the U.S. Open.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Draper says he knew his time was coming after profitable his first ATP title and changing into Britain’s No. 1
Regardless of profitable in Germany, Draper was unable to capitalize on the profitable momentum and suffered early exits at Wimbledon and Montreal, however Henman is just not frightened in regards to the outcomes and believes they may come to cross over time.
The four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist mentioned: “We’re nonetheless actually studying his sport and taking part in the most important and finest tournaments as a result of he is nonetheless constructing the muse and the momentum.
“He was injured final yr and did not play the complete schedule, so I believe simply being on the market and persevering with to enhance – generally it is easy to get caught up in outcomes and issues, but when he retains working laborious and retains working in the correct areas then the outcomes will come, As a result of he is a terrific participant.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Draper mentioned he was “not fairly the place he wished to be” earlier than taking part in within the Madrid Open earlier this yr
What’s coming to Sky Sports activities Tennis?
Please use Chrome browser for a extra handy video participant
Uncover all of the methods to observe tennis on Sky Sports activities, together with the US Open, ATP and WTA Excursions
On the eve of the final Grand Slam of 2024, the US Open, you may watch all of tennis’s greatest stars compete sky sports activities reside after they compete throughout the laborious courtroom season.
- Cincinnati Open (ATP 1000) – Deadline August 19
- Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000) – Ends August 19
- Winston-Salem Open (ATP 250) – August 18-24
- Cleveland Land Tennis (WTA 250) – August 18-24
- GNP Seguros Open, Monterrey (WTA 500) – August 19-24
- US Open (ATP/WTA) – August 26 – September 8
Watch WTA and ATP Tour occasions all through 2024 on Sky Sports activities Tennis. Watch Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
