Jack Draper has officially ascended to the position of British No. 1, marking a significant milestone in his tennis career. The 22-year-old clinched his first ATP title in Stuttgart, defeating Matteo Berrettini in the final. This victory not only secured his place at the top of the British rankings but also comes with impeccable timing, just two weeks before Wimbledon.
Draper’s rise to British No. 1 is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. He has shown remarkable progress and resilience, overcoming a first-round defeat at Roland Garros to claim the Stuttgart title. His achievement is celebrated by peers and former British No. 1s, who see a bright future ahead for him.
Draper’s victory in Stuttgart was not just a personal triumph but a significant moment for British tennis. His ascent to the top British spot was solidified by defeating Wimbledon finalist Berrettini, making him the 13th Brit to win a tour title. Frances Tiafoe, who Draper beat in the quarter-finals, praised him, saying, “He’s gonna be the best British player for a long time.”
Draper’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges. The man he overtakes, Cam Norrie, faces difficulties after a first-round exit from the French Open and a shocking defeat in Nottingham. Meanwhile, Andy Murray, a former mentor to Draper, has expressed his intentions to retire soon, and Dan Evans has struggled with form this year.
Reflecting on his achievement, Draper said, “I’ve always wanted to be a top player in the world… British No 1 or not, nothing changes. I keep on going with my goal to be a top, top player in the world.”
Draper’s recent success is partly credited to a revelatory moment with his coach, James Trotman. A shoulder injury had forced Draper to adapt his serving technique, but Trotman’s advice to “hit the serve as hard as you possibly can” reignited Draper’s aggressive playstyle. This change in mindset has been pivotal in Draper’s recent performances.
With Wimbledon on the horizon, Draper is poised to carry British hopes. His powerful leftie serve, particularly effective on grass, has been highlighted as a key strength. Tiafoe noted, “His leftie serve is really good, especially on grass. It kind of slides away.”
Jack Draper’s triumph in Stuttgart and his rise to British No. 1 come at a critical juncture in his career. With Wimbledon just around the corner, Draper is set to showcase his skills on a grand stage.
Jack Draper in 2024
At the moment ranked no.31 (career-high), the Brit played his last match on the 16th of June when he overcame world no.65 Matteo Berrettini 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in the final in Stuttgart to win his 1st career title.
At the moment, during this season Draper achieved a 18-12 win-loss record. This year, the Brit clinched 1 title in Stuttgart. Jack was the runner-up in Adelaide.
Jack Draper will come up against the world no.29 Mariano Navone in the 1st round on Tuesday at 7:30 pm on CENTRE COURT. In the past, they have never played each other as of now in top tournaments.
Draper clinched 1 title in 2024 in Stuttgart. The Brit got to the final in Adelaide (Adelaide International).
Jack Draper |
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