Jack Draper’s ambition of winning the Australian Open is gone for another year, but he feels he has improved greatly in one crucial area following his Melbourne loss to Tommy Paul.
After losing against Marcos Giron in five sets due to physical difficulties, the 22-year-old rushed to a courtside trash can to vomit up. Before the match against American Paul, he appeared to have healed rather well, but he lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, and 7-5.
Despite the setback, the young British player indicated that, despite his opening match against Giron’s fitness concerns, he is confident he is getting closer to taking on the top names in the sport as he leaves Melbourne.
Draper expressed his thoughts when asked about his fitness levels against Paul: “I felt really good, to be honest. It was very different from my first round. Physically, if it had gone to five sets, I would have been feeling great and ready to play. That’s one big positive I can take from obviously the first slam of the year.”
He added: “I’ve worked hard in the off-season to build up my physicality. After having so many struggles last year, it’s been an area of real focus for me. Forget the tennis for a minute; that’s probably the most important thing for me right now. I’m proud of the way I am physically able to come through a five-set match to feel like I’m three hours in against a top opponent. I feel like I could have played four or five more sets. I feel good on that aspect.”
Jack Draper in 2024
Ranked world no.55, Jack played his last match on the 18th of January when he was overcome by world no.14 Tommy Paul 6-2 3-6 6-3 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
At the moment, during this season Draper owns a compiled 5-2 win-loss record. Jack Draper’s best accomplishment of the current year was reaching the final in Adelaide.
