As the red clay of Roland Garros churns under the feet of tennis’s brightest stars, British No. 1 Jack Draper has emerged as a beacon of promise at the 2025 French Open. The 23-year-old’s powerful game and newfound physicality have propelled him into the third round, where he faces Brazil’s rising star Joao Fonseca. Yet, amidst the cheers and the thrill of his late-night victory over France’s Gael Monfils, tennis legend Chris Evert has sounded a note of caution, warning that Draper risks facing the same intense scrutiny that has shadowed Emma Raducanu since her meteoric 2021 US Open triumph.
Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam champion and a revered voice in tennis, expressed admiration for Draper’s recent performances during her commentary at Roland Garros. “Jack Draper, what is happening with him,” she remarked, noting his impressive fitness and unexpected prowess on clay, a surface where he has historically been less comfortable. “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 carry weight, reflecting her concern that the British media, notorious for building up and then tearing down its sporting heroes, could place undue pressure on the young star.
Draper’s journey to the third round has been a testament to his growing maturity. His comeback win against Monfils, a fan favorite known for his flair, showcased his physical and mental resilience. Evert was particularly struck by his improved movement and power, observing, “He’s awfully fit. He looks fitter than I’ve seen before. That is really translating into his tennis as far as his movement and his agility and even his power.” This newfound physicality, honed through dedicated gym work, has bolstered his confidence, allowing him to compete fiercely on a surface that once challenged him. His first-ever French Open win earlier in the tournament marked a significant milestone, as it was his third attempt to make an impact in Paris.
However, Evert’s praise comes with a sobering parallel to Raducanu’s career. Raducanu, who stunned the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier, faced a whirlwind of fame that Evert believes disrupted 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 reflected, pointing to the endorsements, coaching changes, and unrelenting expectations that followed Raducanu’s triumph. “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.” Despite her recent climb to No. 37 in the world rankings, Raducanu’s 6-1, 6-2 loss to Iga Swiatek in the second round at Roland Garros underscored the gap she still needs to bridge.
Evert’s warning for Draper is rooted in this cautionary tale. The British media’s tendency to amplify young stars can create a pressure cooker that tests even the most resilient athletes. Draper, seeded fifth in the men’s draw, has already shown he can handle tough opponents, with potential clashes against Hubert Hurkacz or Jannik Sinner looming in his quarter. Yet, off the court, he faces the challenge of navigating fame while maintaining focus. His candid admissions about the loneliness of the tour—echoed by Raducanu—highlight the personal sacrifices required. “I’m always on the road. Always playing, always training. It’s tough to sustain any form of relationship,” Draper shared, emphasizing his prioritization of tennis over personal connections for now.
Despite these challenges, Evert remains optimistic about both players. She believes Raducanu can return to the top 10 with “solid commitment,” and for Draper, she sees a bright future if he can weather the media storm. “I’m surprised that he’s playing this well on the clay,” she noted, suggesting his versatility could make him a multi-surface threat. As Draper prepares to face Fonseca, the tennis world watches closely, hoping he can carve his own path without being weighed down by the pressures that have tested Raducanu. With his powerful game and supportive friendship with Raducanu—“She has always been there for me,” he said—the young Brit is poised to rise, provided he can keep the spotlight’s glare at bay.
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