How losses to Hurkacz, Jarry and Fritz helped Draper make the US Open semi-finals
A string of tight losses earlier in the year drove Draper to play more boldly
Jack Draper (Credit: Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic)
British No 1 Jack Draper has revealed an unexpected ingredient in the recipe of his recent US Open success.
Speaking for the first time since making his maiden Grand Slam semi-final in New York, the 22-year-old shared on Wednesday that it was actually a host of losses earlier in 2024 that propelled him to change his game.
“I had a period at the start of the year where I was losing back-to-back matches and had three 7-6 third-set defeats in a row,” said Draper, referring to his losses to Nicolas Jarry (7-6 (5), 4-6 7-6 (2)), Hubert Hurkacz (6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2)) and Taylor Fritz (4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1)) in March and April 2024.
“I realised that my game was there with these top players, but I needed to be braver, believe in myself a bit more and take it to them.
“I knew if I wanted to come through these matches I needed to change my identity as a player and mentally as well.
“I’m very proud of myself for doing that. You keep on learning.”
In his US Open run, Draper made the semi-finals without dropping a set, before falling to Sinner in a tight three-set match.
“I’ve been working on my tennis for long time and waiting for that big thing to come,” continued Draper.
“Making semis of a Grand Slam and being in that position, playing on the most important stages of the world, is what I’ve been waiting for – to see what would happen.
“It’s good to show my hard work is paying off.”
Draper will now seek to lead Great Britain to Davis Cup glory, with the 22-year-old set to take to the court for the first time since New York on Friday.
