50 Facts About Jack Draper

Early Life and Background

Jack Draper’s journey to tennis stardom began in Sutton, England. His family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Birth and Hometown: Born on December 22, 2001, in Sutton, England, Draper grew up in Ashtead, Surrey.
2. Family Background: His father, Roger Draper, served as the Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) from 2006 to 2013. His mother, Nicky Draper, is a former junior British tennis champion.
3. Brother: Jack’s older brother, Ben, also played tennis competitively and pursued a Master's degree at Wake Forest University.
4. Early Interest in Tennis: Introduced to tennis by his mother, Draper started playing at a very young age. His mother coached him at the Sutton Tennis & Squash club.
5. Education: Draper attended Parkside School in Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, from age four to eleven, where his mother worked. He was coached by Justin Sherring.

Early Tennis Career

Draper’s early career was marked by rapid progress and significant achievements in junior tennis.

6. Start of Tennis Career: Draper began playing tennis at three, showing promise from the start.
7. Training: He trained at the Sutton Tennis Academy and later at the Weybridge Tennis Academy, coached by Justin Sherring from 2006 to 2016.
8. Junior Career: Draper reached his first and only junior Grand Slam final at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, losing to Tseng Chun-hsin in three sets.
9. Junior Ranking: He peaked at No. 7 in the ITF junior world rankings, thanks to his runner-up finish at the 2018 Wimbledon boys' singles event.
10. Turning Professional: Draper turned professional in 2018, quickly climbing the ranks in the tennis world.

Achievements and Milestones

Draper’s career is dotted with significant milestones that highlight his potential and growth as a professional tennis player.

11. ATP Main Draw Debut: In 2021, Draper made his ATP main draw debut at the Miami Open, showcasing his potential on a larger stage.
12. First ATP Challenger Title: Draper won his first ATP Challenger title in 2021 at the Forli Challenger, a significant milestone in his career.
13. Wildcard Entry into Wimbledon: He received a wildcard entry into the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, where he won his first Grand Slam match.
14. Career-High Ranking: Draper reached his career-high ATP singles ranking of 99 in November 2021, breaking into the top 100 for the first time.
15. Recent Achievements: In 2024, he won his first ATP Tour title at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart, beating Matteo Berrettini in the final.

Playing Style and Strengths

Draper’s playing style and strengths make him a formidable opponent on the court.

16. Powerful Serve: Draper is known for his powerful serve, which often gives him an edge in matches.
17. Aggressive Baseline Play: His aggressive baseline play and strong forehand are key components of his game.
18. Adaptability: Draper’s ability to adapt and strategize during matches sets him apart from many of his peers.
19. Mental Game: He has a strong mental game, often staying composed under pressure.
20. Left-Handed but Right-Handed Racket Grip: Draper is a natural right-hander but plays with his left hand, meaning the backhand is played like a second forehand.

Off the Court

Off the court, Draper leads a balanced life, enjoying hobbies and spending time with family and friends.

21. Hobbies: Draper enjoys playing golf in his free time, finding it a relaxing way to unwind.
22. Sports Supporter: He is an avid supporter of Chelsea FC and Manchester United F.C., often attending matches when his schedule allows.
23. Social Media Presence: Draper is active on social media, sharing updates about his career and personal life with fans.
24. Family Time: Despite his busy schedule, he values spending time with family and friends, maintaining a balanced life.
25. Favourite Athlete: Draper’s favourite athlete is MMA star Conor McGregor.

Coaches and Training

Draper’s success is supported by a dedicated team of coaches and trainers who help him hone his skills and maintain peak physical condition.

26. Current Coach: Draper is currently coached by James Trotman at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton as part of the LTA's Elite Players support programme.
27. Fitness Coach: He hired fitness coach Dejan Vojnović in 2023 to help with his physical conditioning.
28. Technical Coach: In 2024, Draper hired technical coach Wayne Ferreira to improve his game strategy.
29. Training Facilities: He trains at the NTC/Wimbledon, one of the premier tennis training facilities in the UK.
30. Support from LTA: The LTA has provided significant support throughout his career, including being part of the Pro Scholarship Programme (PSP).

Personal Life

Draper’s personal life is as interesting as his professional career, filled with hobbies, interests, and personal growth.

31. Estimated Wealth: In 2023, Draper had an estimated wealth of $3 million, largely due to sponsorship deals with companies like Dunlop, Nike, and Vodafone.
32. Sponsorship Deals: He has signed several sponsorship deals, contributing to his financial stability and career growth.
33. Music Preferences: Draper enjoys listening to rap and grime music in his free time.
34. Mental Health Support: He has sought psychological assistance to help with anxiety, which has hindered his physical performance at times.
35. Weight Loss: After working on his fitness, Draper lost 3kg, improving his overall performance on the court.

Career Highlights

Draper’s career highlights showcase his consistent performance and ability to compete at the highest levels.

36. ATP Tour Finals: Draper reached two ATP Tour finals before his success in Stuttgart. He lost a close encounter to Adrian Mannarino in Sofia in November 2023 and then made the final again in Adelaide at the start of 2024, losing to Jiri Lehecka in three sets.
37. ATP Challenger Titles: He won five titles on the ATP Challenger Tour and seven on the ITF Tour, showcasing his consistent performance across different levels of competition.
38. Grand Slam Quarterfinal: In 2024, Draper reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the US Open, becoming the first British male player to do so since 2016.
39. Career-High Ranking (2023): Draper reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 38 on 16 January 2023, demonstrating his rapid rise through the rankings.
40. Debut at Major Tournaments: He made his debut at major tournaments like the Australian Open and French Open, showing his readiness for the highest level of competition.

Recent Achievements

Draper’s recent achievements highlight his resilience and determination to overcome challenges and succeed.

41. New British No. 1: Draper became the new British No. 1 at the age of 22, surpassing Cameron Norrie in the rankings.
42. Stuttgart Open Victory: He won his first ATP Tour title by beating Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
43. Queen's Club Performance: Draper continued his remarkable form by claiming the biggest victory of his career when he beat top seed Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club, although he eventually lost to Tommy Paul.
44. US Open Performance: At the US Open, Draper overcame Zhang Zhizhen, Facundo Díaz Acosta, and Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets to reach the fourth round, his best performance at a Grand Slam event so far.
45. Injury Challenges: Despite facing numerous physical issues, including injuries that forced him to miss the entire grass-court swing in 2023, Draper has shown resilience and determination in his recovery and continued success.

Future Prospects

The future looks bright for Draper as he continues to work towards his goals and overcome challenges.

46. Wimbledon Preparation: Draper will be hoping to go injury-free at Wimbledon before preparing for the US Open, a crucial period in his career as he aims to maintain his top form.
47. Olympic Participation: With his recent achievements, there is a strong possibility that Draper could participate in the Olympics, a dream he has been working towards for years.
48. Continued Improvement: Draper’s progress has stalled amid physical issues, but he is now focusing on psychological assistance to help with anxiety, which he believes will improve his overall performance.
49. Support from Fans: Despite the challenges he has faced, Draper remains a fan favorite, known for his dedication and passion for the game, which has earned him a loyal following.
50. Future in Tennis: As one of the brightest prospects in British tennis, Jack Draper’s future in the sport looks promising, with many expecting him to become one of the sport’s greats in the years to come.

Jack Draper's Bright Future

Jack Draper’s journey from a young tennis enthusiast to a rising star in British tennis is nothing short of inspiring. With a strong family background in sports, early training, and significant achievements, Draper has quickly made a name for himself. His powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and mental toughness set him apart on the court. Off the court, he enjoys golf, supports Chelsea FC and Manchester United F.C., and values family time. Despite facing injuries and anxiety, Draper’s resilience and determination have kept him moving forward. As he continues to climb the ranks, fans eagerly anticipate his future matches and achievements. With his recent successes and ongoing support from coaches and the LTA, Draper’s future in tennis looks incredibly promising. Keep an eye on this young talent as he aims to become one of the sport’s greats.