Daria Saville’s recent appearance on the Australian Open Tennis Podcast offered candid reflections on her own injury battles and sharp observations about rising stars Holger Rune and Jack Draper. Saville admitted she was taken aback by Rune’s intensity following injury, saying she was “a bit like wow” after witnessing his mindset. Her perspective carries weight, shaped by years of rehabilitation and the emotional grind of returning to competition.
Concerns about burnout
Saville spoke openly about the risks of pushing too hard after injury. “You have been injured before and he is going to get a bit of burnout if he keeps going,” she explained, while still acknowledging Rune’s resilience, adding that he is “literally built different.” Drawing from her own experiences, she described how motivation fades after the initial post-surgery rush. “So motivated after the surgery and in the gym, but after a week you realize, I have got to do this for nine months,” she recalled. Saville emphasized the importance of balance, noting that athletes “almost have to find something outside of tennis to fulfil your days.”
Praise for Jack Draper
When the discussion turned to Jack Draper, Saville spoke with admiration and confidence. “I’m going to go with Jack Draper,” she said, highlighting his powerful serve, left-handed advantage, and solid baseline game. She believes these qualities could allow Draper to join Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top of men’s tennis. For Saville, the key lies in consistency: “He needs a full season on the court and to get his body right.”
Looking ahead
Saville’s comments underline both the challenges and opportunities facing young players on the ATP Tour. While Rune’s intensity and Draper’s tools suggest bright futures, her reflections remind fans of the physical and emotional demands of professional tennis. Draper’s potential rise alongside Alcaraz and Sinner adds intrigue to the next generation of the sport.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
At the moment ranked no.2, Jannik played his last match on the 16th of November when he beat world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 25th career title.
This year the Italian has a compiled 58-6 record. The Italian conquered 6 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Jannik reached the final in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
At the moment ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 16th of November when he was defeated by world no.2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This year the Spaniard has an overall 71-9 win-loss record. Alcaraz clinched 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Alcaraz was the runner-up in Barcelona, Wimbledon and the Nitto ATP Finals.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz clashed against each other 17 times. Their current head to head is 11-6 for Alcaraz.