World no. 15 Jack Draper should have trained with Carlos Alcaraz and Flavio Cobolli in Alicante in the upcoming weeks. The 22-year-old Briton had to change his plans and stay at home, citing a minor hip issue and missing his planned trip to Spain.
Jack and his coach looked forward to go to Spain and train with one of the world’s best players. However, the young gun emphasized the importance of managing his body ahead of the new season, not risking more serious issues ahead of the Australian Open.
Draper should kick off the season at the United Cup, but he can not make any predictions without monitoring his recovery. The Briton maintains a poistive outlook, aware the setbacks and challenges are the part of every sport.
What a moment for Jack Draper, the champion in Stuttgart! 👏
– Wins his first ATP title 🏆
– Up to a new career high of #31 🌎
– New British #1 🇬🇧
– First British male singles player not named Andy Murray to win a grass court title in 21 YEARS 🌱pic.twitter.com/u70vg5rzwj
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) June 16, 2024
Jack’s breakthrough run in 2024
The young Briton earned 39 victories in 2024, enjoying a breakthrough season. The Sutton native lifted his first ATP titles and passed 47 opponents on the ATP ranking list to settle in the top-15. Jack kicked off the season in Adelaide and reached the final.
He claimed the opening set against Jiri Lehecka before falling in three sets and finishing runner-up. He fell to Tommy Paul in the Australian Open second round and served revenge in Acapulco en route to the semi-final. The Briton retired against Alex de Minaur in the decider.
Jack Draper, Paris Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
Draper did not play well at the upcoming events, notching one victory at the opening three Masters 1000 tournaments. Jack fell to Taylor Fritz in Munich after a massive battle and suffered his second loss to Hubert Hurkacz within a couple of weeks in Madrid.
The young gun suffered consecutive losses in Rome, Geneva and Roland Garros, leaving clay behind and focusing on the grass swing. Jack defeated five rivals in Stuttgart, overpowering Matteo Berrettini in the final and lifting his first ATP trophy.
He dethroned Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s before losing to an eventual champion Tommy Paul. In an all-British battle, Draper hit the exit door at Wimbledon against Cameron Norrie, sufering an early loss at the home Major despite high expectations.
Jack Draper, Vienna 2024© Facebook – Erste Bank Open
Draper lost in the second round of the Olympic Games to Taylor Fritz before reaching the quarter-final in Cincinnati. Holger Rune beat him in straight sets, and Jack raised his level at the US Open, reaching his first Major semi-final without losing a set!
The Briton met world no. 1 Jannik Sinner and ended his campaign despite pushing the favorite to the limits in the opening two sets. Jack led Great Britain at the Davis Cup Finals in Manchester, experiencing two tight losses to Francisco Cerundolo and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The Sutton native retired against Ugo Humbert in the ATP 500 Tokyo quarter-final due to abdomen pain. He missed a month and returned to action at the other ATP 500 tournament in Vienna. Draper produced his best tennis and lifted his second ATP crown over Karen Khachanov.
Jack Draper, Vienna 2024© Stream screenshot
The young gun scored a top-10 victory over Taylor Fritz at the Paris Masters before losing to Alex de Minaur. He wrapped up his season in the top-15, hoping to stay injury-free in 2025 and embrace another strong run.
“I have been working incredibly hard the last couple of weeks, trying to shape up my game ahead of 2025. However, I have experienced a minor issue in my hip area. Thus, I must cancel my trip to Spain and training sessions with Carlos Alcaraz.
I’m not at 100%, and it would not be fair to him if I practice with him without giving 100%. I hope it’s just a short-term setback and nothing serious. I must look after my body and avoid worsening the injury and jeopardizing the start of the new season.
Jack Draper, Vienna 2024© Facebook – Erste Bank Open
My coach and I were excited about traveling to Spain and working with a rival from the top. I’m very disappointed that I had to change my plans. However, those little setbacks and challenges are always present, and you have to stay positive and make the most of things.
I would love to compete at the United Cup. However, the most important thing is to travel to Australia healthy after adequate training sessions. I want to compete at my best in the season’s opening weeks,” Jack Draper said.
Tennis World USA