Jack Draper, one of Britain’s rising stars in tennis, faced questions after his recent exit from Wimbledon about the weight of national expectations. Many wondered if the pressure of being hailed as Britain’s next big hope was a factor in his loss, but Draper was candid and gracious in his response.
“It makes me think that Andy’s achievement of winning here twice, it’s just unbelievable,” Draper shared in the aftermath. Rather than deflecting blame or dwelling on external pressures, he credited his opponent’s performance: “It’s not the pressure… I lost to a better player.”
This is what he said: “I mean.. it makes me think that Andy’s achievement of what he did, winning here twice, just unbelievable. Because, like, it’s not the pressure. It’s not the whatever. I just didn’t play good enough today. I lost to a better player.
I wasn’t going out there thinking ‘I’m under so much pressure.’ I don’t know. You guys mention it all the time. But it’s just that I wasn’t good enough today. That’s the main reason. I wasn’t able to find the level I wanted. I came up short.”
His words struck a chord, not only for their honesty but for the deep admiration Draper holds for Andy Murray—someone who carried the hopes of British tennis through decades and delivered historic results. For Draper, competing at Wimbledon isn’t just about chasing titles; it’s about earning respect in one of tennis’s most iconic arenas.
As Draper continues his journey on the professional circuit, the spotlight may intensify, but his grounded mindset and sportsmanlike attitude reveal a maturity well beyond his years. In acknowledging defeat and celebrating Murray’s legacy, he’s carving his own path—one defined not by pressure, but by perseverance and perspective.