At the 2025 French Open, the tennis world’s spotlight has turned to Jack Draper, Britain’s rising star, who has stormed into the third round with a thrilling comeback victory over local favorite Gael Monfils. The 23-year-old, now ranked No. 5 in the ATP standings, has impressed with his newfound physicality and powerful game, particularly on the clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface not traditionally suited to his aggressive style. However, tennis legend Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, has sounded a cautionary note, warning that Draper risks following the same challenging path as Emma Raducanu unless he navigates the pressures of fame with care.
Evert, speaking from her vantage point as a TNT Sports analyst in Paris, expressed admiration for Draper’s potential but voiced concerns about the intense scrutiny that comes with being a British tennis star. “Jack Draper, what is happening with him,” she remarked, noting his impressive fitness and unexpected prowess on clay. “He looks so fit, a good-looking boy. He has a lot going for him, and I just hope the press leave him alone and let him get on with playing tennis.” Her words reflect a deep understanding of the British media’s tendency to build up and then harshly critique their sporting heroes, a cycle that has notably impacted Raducanu since her fairy-tale 2021 US Open victory.
Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam at just 18, faced a meteoric rise followed by significant challenges. Her 6-1, 6-2 loss to Iga Swiatek in the second round at this year’s French Open highlighted the gap between her and the sport’s elite, despite recent progress under new coach Mark Petchey. Evert reflected on Raducanu’s struggles, suggesting that her US Open triumph, while historic, may have hindered her development. “I just feel she has lost so many years of her career because of the whole thing around the one big win,” Evert said, drawing parallels to Naomi Osaka’s post-Grand Slam struggles. “Emma is a beautiful girl, and that probably didn’t help. The endorsements came in, the coaches were coming in and out, and still her expectations are right up there now. She’s not there yet. She’s got to build, go back to the drawing board and build up slowly.”
Evert’s warning for Draper centers on the risk of similar distractions. The young Brit, who has climbed into the top 10 and won his first Masters 1000 title, is now a prime target for media attention and commercial opportunities. His powerful left-handed game and charismatic presence make him a marketable figure, but Evert fears that external pressures could derail his focus. “I’m surprised that he is playing so well on the clay,” she noted, praising his improved movement and agility. “He has a lot of power in his game, but he has not been known for his consistency up to now.” This newfound consistency, coupled with his physical transformation, has fueled his rise, but maintaining it amidst growing fame will be the challenge.
Draper’s journey has not been without its hurdles. He has spoken candidly about the loneliness of life on the ATP Tour, admitting, “I’m always on the road. Always playing, always training. It’s tough to sustain any form of relationship.” This sentiment echoes Raducanu’s own reflections on the isolating nature of professional tennis, where she has found solace in solo walks and reading. The two British stars, born less than a year apart, share a close friendship, with Draper describing Raducanu as “extremely bubbly, very kind, very thoughtful, always giggling, really smart.” Their mutual support has been a source of strength, with Draper drawing inspiration from Raducanu’s 2021 US Open run, which he said “fuelled my fire” to chase his own Grand Slam dreams.
Despite their camaraderie, Draper and Raducanu face distinct challenges. Raducanu’s career has been plagued by injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for much of 2023, and the weight of expectations following her US Open win. Draper, meanwhile, has overcome his own injury setbacks and mental doubts, once questioning whether he would continue in the sport. “I went through many ups and downs,” he confessed earlier this year. His recent success, including a semifinal run at the 2024 US Open, suggests he’s finding his footing, but Evert’s cautionary words serve as a reminder of the fine line between stardom and struggle.
As Draper prepares to face 18-year-old Joao Fonseca in the third round at Roland Garros, the tennis world watches closely. Evert believes he has the tools to succeed but urges him to stay grounded. For Raducanu, the path forward involves rebuilding her game and fitness, with Evert optimistic about her potential to return to the top 10 if she commits fully. “Maybe she had to swallow her pride a little because she’s not up there yet,” Evert said of Raducanu, a sentiment that could apply to Draper as he navigates his own ascent. With the British media ever-watchful, both players must balance their talent with resilience to avoid the fate Evert fears—one where hype overshadows hard work.
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