It has been a breakthrough season for Jack Draper, who won his first ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells and will try to claim another trophy at the level on Sunday against Casper Ruud in the Mutua Madrid Open final.
ATPTour.com recently caught up with Draper at the beginning of his run to the title at the Californian ATP Masters 1000 to discuss the struggles that have led to his success and how the steps in his journey have added up, allowing him to become one of the best players in the world.
What has been your greatest success?
I think the results are important, but I think [it is about] the grind of coming through a lot of different adversities, through the Challengers and the Futures and getting to this level, being in the position I'm in and playing in amazing tournaments. I remind myself of how much I've come through to get to this point. So, I suppose just dealing with the adversity I've gone through to this point.
What is the greatest difficulty or adversity that you've had to overcome?
Tennis is quite an individual, lonely sport at times. And I think sometimes, mentally, it can get quite difficult. But I see it all as a challenge. And I think with injuries and many different things, I've had a lot of times where I've been quite lost with it. But I'm in a really stable, good place, and I think that's the biggest win I have.
What has been the most unique moment in your career?
I’ve had many, many amazing experiences playing in top tournaments. I think being able to play Djokovic and Rafa early on in my career on the biggest courts in the world. I played Djokovic at Wimbledon Centre Court and Rafa in Melbourne. To play those legends of the game was incredible at such a young age.
What is your favourite ATP tournament?
I've got to say [Indian Wells is] up there. Maybe Tokyo Open. Big fan of that one. I love the people. I think it's a great tournament. Obviously, a great city. My racquet brand is Dunlop, and I've always had a close relationship with them, and they always treated me incredibly well when I'm there. I'd say I feel very at home there. The fans are just unbelievable as well.
What's the coolest off-court experience you've been able to enjoy being a pro tennis player?
Travelling from city to city, to see the world many, many times over... I've had so many, it's tough to think about one. But in general, just seeing the cities and seeing the different cultures, and that always blows my mind.
On the court, what is your favourite tennis rivalry?
I used to watch Murray when I was younger. Obviously, I could say, Djokovic and Rafa, stuff like that. But with the British angle, I love watching Murray-Djokovic, Murray-Rafa. I'll say Murray-Rafa. I used to love that matchup.
Who's your greatest rival?
I feel like I'm yet to find it on the ATP Tour. Since I was very young, I've had lots in the U.K. And one of the guys who's emerging onto the Tour now is Jacob Fearnley. He's a good friend and a crazy good competitor as well. So I'd say, since I was young, it's probably been him. I'm looking forward to hopefully playing him many times being from the same country as well.
© Copyright 1994 - 2024 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Community Social Media Policy | Modern Slavery Statement | Feedback | Cookies | Your Privacy Choices 
