Summary:
- Jack Draper’s strong US Open semifinal and Indian Wells performances propel him to the fourth seed at Wimbledon.
- Former British No.1 Greg Rusedski considers Draper to be the “fourth favourite” for the title.
- While his first-serve percentage stands at 43rd, he ranks 14th in points won behind the same serve.
Jack Draper hasn’t had much luck at Wimbledon in the past, with just three main-draw appearances and no trips beyond the second round.
However, that could all change this year. He’s coming in as the fourth seed, a huge jump that reflects just how far he has come over the past 12 months. After a breakout season, Draper’s no longer just a hopeful name, but a real threat.
Rusedski Sees Draper As the “Fourth Favourite” for the Title
Draper has had a huge year, with a run to the US Open semis, a title at Indian Wells, and two more finals under his belt. Without a doubt, he is no longer just a name to watch.
Former British number one Greg Rusedski believes,
I’d say he’s fourth favourite for the Wimbledon title behind Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. It’s a big leap from the days when he was seen as a talented player constantly sidelined by injuries. Dealing with expectation when you’re playing well is easy because you use the crowd to fuel you. When you’re not playing well, that pressure becomes difficult. You have to organically allow it to happen if you’re putting in the work, and Jack is doing that.
More Fit Than Ever
Two years ago, Draper was known as the “guy who is always injured,” forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a shoulder issue.
That setback sparked a determined focus on fitness. With the help of trainers like Steve Kotze and Will Herbert, and later Matt Little and Shane Annun, who’ve worked closely with Andy Murray, Draper rebuilt his body.
His fitness became evident when he battled through three tough five-set matches at the Australian Open, showing he could outlast opponents physically.
Draper himself joked that he “looked like a bit of a Ferrari, but I was a bit of a Toyota”, referring to how his body used to break down easily.
Now, at 6ft 4in and noticeably stronger, he looks ready to compete with anyone, so much so that fellow player Alexander Bublik joked Draper looks like he’s “getting ready for UFC”.
Coach James Trotman is guiding him to take smart risks, using drop shots, rushing the net, and firing powerful groundstrokes.
Croft: “He’s Got Every Kind of Serve You Can Imagine.”
Under pressure, Draper has been impressive, ranking second only to world number one Jannik Sinner in the ATP’s ‘under pressure rating’, a stat combining clutch performances like break points and deciding set wins.
His serve is another weapon, boasting variety and power that helps him win quick points. Though his first-serve percentage ranks 43rd on tour, he’s 14th in points won behind that serve.
Former British number one Annabel Croft praises his delivery:
He’s got every kind of serve you can imagine. It allows him to get quicker, freer points—that’s a huge advantage on a grass court.
Draper’s forehand is equally potent, and he’s been honing it for grass, delivering sharp winners both from the baseline and on the run.
As Draper explains,
When that ball is coming in fast, especially on a grass court, you have to stay low and stay down. Just the slightest movement in your head or lifting up and the ball is going to fly.
Draper’s got the game, no question, but with that comes more eyes on him than ever. It’s been a while since a British player came into Wimbledon with this much hype, not since Andy Murray in 2017 has anyone from the UK been seeded this high. That kind of spotlight doesn’t come without pressure.
Draper’s not one to shy away from a big stage, and he’s never been afraid to fire up the home crowd. However, nerves have gotten to him before, and how he handles all the added attention this time could be a real turning point.
Can Draper make it to the second week of Wimbledon and maybe get a chance at the title? Get the latest odds ahead of the tournament right here.