As the 2025 US Open looms on the horizon, Jack Draper, Britain’s rising tennis star, is radiating confidence and ambition. The 23-year-old left-hander, now ranked among the world’s top 25, has declared himself ready to tackle the challenges of Flushing Meadows with a newfound sense of purpose. “I’m in a great place personally and tennis-wise,” Draper said, his words brimming with optimism after a standout season that has solidified his status as a formidable force on the ATP Tour.
Draper’s journey to this moment has been one of grit and growth. After reaching his maiden Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon earlier this year, where he pushed eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets, Draper has carried that momentum into the North American hard-court swing. His recent performances, including a quarterfinal run at the Cincinnati Open and a commanding victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Montreal, have showcased his evolving game. With a lethal serve, blistering forehand, and improved fitness, Draper is no longer just a promising talent—he’s a legitimate contender.
The Briton’s preparation for the US Open has been meticulous. Under the guidance of his new coach, James Trotman, who previously worked with Andy Murray, Draper has honed his aggressive baseline game while adding layers of tactical versatility. His ability to dictate play with heavy groundstrokes and transition seamlessly to the net has made him a nightmare matchup for opponents. “I feel like I’m playing the best tennis of my career,” Draper reflected, noting the strides he’s made in both physical and mental resilience. “The work we’ve put in off the court is paying off, and I’m ready to face whoever comes my way.”
Draper’s confidence is not without merit. This season, he has notched career-best wins against top-10 players, including a thrilling upset over Hubert Hurkacz in Miami and a straight-sets triumph over Tsitsipas, a former US Open semifinalist. These victories have propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 23, positioning him as a potential dark horse in New York. “I’m not just here to make up the numbers,” Draper asserted. “I believe I can go deep in the tournament and compete with the best.”
The US Open, with its electric atmosphere and fast courts, suits Draper’s game perfectly. His powerful lefty serve, which regularly clocks in above 130 mph, thrives on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, and his ability to absorb and redirect pace makes him a threat against the tour’s heavy hitters. However, the road to glory won’t be easy. The men’s draw is stacked with talent, from defending champion Jannik Sinner to perennial contenders like Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz. Yet Draper remains undaunted, drawing inspiration from his Wimbledon run and the lessons learned from facing elite competition.
Reflecting on his growth, Draper highlighted the mental fortitude he’s developed. “There were times earlier in my career where I’d let tough moments get to me,” he admitted. “But now, I’m learning to stay calm and trust my game, even when the pressure’s on.” This newfound composure was evident in Cincinnati, where he battled through a grueling three-setter against Felix Auger-Aliassime, saving multiple break points to secure the win. “Those kinds of matches show me I can hang with anyone,” he said.
Off the court, Draper’s personal life has also found balance. After navigating injuries and setbacks in previous seasons, he credits his support system—family, friends, and his coaching team—for keeping him grounded. “I’m in a great place personally and tennis-wise,” he reiterated, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity in his recent success. His decision to train in Miami during the offseason, working on his fitness and adapting to humid conditions, has prepared him for the physical demands of the US Open’s late-summer heat.
As the tournament approaches, Draper’s focus is clear: maximize every opportunity and leave it all on the court. His first-round matchup at the US Open pits him against a qualifier, a favorable draw that could set the tone for a deep run. With British tennis fans rallying behind him, especially in the absence of Andy Murray, who retired after the 2025 French Open, Draper is embracing the mantle of his nation’s top male player. “It’s an honor to carry that flag,” he said. “I want to make everyone proud and show what I’m capable of.”
Draper’s rise has not gone unnoticed by his peers. Alcaraz, who faced him at Wimbledon, praised his intensity and potential. “Jack’s a tough player,” Alcaraz noted. “He’s got all the tools, and he’s only going to get better.” Such endorsements underscore the respect Draper has earned on tour, but he remains focused on his own path. “I’m not thinking about what others say,” he said. “I know what I need to do, and I’m ready to put in the work.”
With the US Open set to begin, all eyes will be on Draper to see if he can translate his confidence into a breakthrough performance. The stage is set for the young Briton to make a statement, and if his recent form is any indication, he’s more than ready to face the challenges ahead. Whether it’s battling through a five-set epic or outlasting a top seed, Draper’s blend of power, poise, and determination makes him a player to watch in New York.
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