Jack Draper’s recent victory at the Indian Wells Open has propelled him to a career-high ranking of world No. 7, making him the highest-ranked British male tennis player since Andy Murray in October 2017. This achievement places Draper among an elite group of British players who have reached the top 10 in the Open Era, solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of tennis and a potential successor to Murray as Britain’s top player.
Draper Joins British Top 10 Elite
Draper’s entry into the top 10 marks a significant milestone in his career, placing him alongside only four other British men who have achieved this feat in the Open Era: Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman, Andy Murray, and Cam Norrie. Draper’s recent triumph at Indian Wells, where he defeated Holger Rune in straight sets, not only earned him his first ATP Masters 1000 title but also cemented his place among the world’s best.
A Testament to Hard Work and Perseverance
Draper’s rise to the top has been a journey marked by adversity, including injuries and physical setbacks. He has expressed that reaching world No. 7 is a testament to the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication of himself and his team.
Draper’s Career Highlights
- 2021: First ATP Tour win against Jannik Sinner.
- 2022: Broke into the top 100 after winning four ATP Challenger titles.
- 2022: First Grand Slam win at Wimbledon against Zizou Bergs.
- 2022: First top-five win over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Canada Masters.
- 2022: Qualified for the ATP Next Gen Finals.
- 2023: Davis Cup debut with a win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
- 2023: Reached his first ATP Tour-level final in Sofia.
- 2024: Won his first ATP title in Stuttgart, defeating Matteo Berrettini.
- 2024: Became the British No. 1.
- 2024: Made his Olympic debut for Team GB in Paris.
- 2024: Reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open.
- 2024: Clinched his first ATP 500 title in Vienna, defeating Karen Khachanov.
- 2025: Won his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, defeating Holger Rune.
Andy Murray: A British Tennis Legend
Andy Murray is considered the most successful British male tennis player in the Open Era, with a career marked by numerous achievements and accolades. Murray’s career includes 46 ATP singles titles, placing him 14th on the all-time list.
Key Achievements
- World No. 1: Murray was the first British singles player to be ranked world No. 1, holding the top spot for 41 weeks beginning on November 7, 2016.
- Grand Slam Titles: He has won three Grand Slam titles: the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.
- Olympic Gold Medals: Murray is the only tennis player to win two Olympic gold medals in singles, winning in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
- ATP Finals Title: Won the ATP Finals in 2016.
- Davis Cup Title: Led Great Britain to its first Davis Cup title since 1936 in 2015.
- Masters 1000 Titles: Murray has won 14 Masters 1000 titles, ranking him fifth overall.
Other Notable Achievements
- Reached 11 Grand Slam finals.
- Won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award three times (2013, 2015, 2016).
- Recorded multiple comebacks from two sets down to win at Grand Slam events.
Other High-Ranking British Players in ATP History
While Draper and Murray have recently held prominent positions, other British players have also achieved notable rankings in ATP history.
Tim Henman
Tim Henman was a leading figure in British tennis during the 1990s and early 2000s. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 4 on July 8, 2002. Henman reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon four times and also reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros and the US Open.
Greg Rusedski
Greg Rusedski achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 4 on October 6, 1997, representing Great Britain.
Kyle Edmund
Kyle Edmund reached a career-high ranking of world No. 14 on October 8, 2018. Although injuries have impacted his career, Edmund’s earlier success demonstrated his potential on the ATP Tour.
Current Top-Ranked British Players
As of March 17, 2025, the top-ranked British tennis players are:
- Men’s Singles: Jack Draper (No. 7)
- Women’s Singles: Katie Boulter
Other notable British players and their rankings include:
- Cameron Norrie
- Jacob Fearnley
- Billy Harris
- Daniel Evans
- Paul Jubb
Draper: The Future of British Tennis?
Draper’s recent success has led to speculation about whether he will be the next British tennis sensation, following in the footsteps of Andy Murray. Draper has acknowledged Murray’s influence, noting that he is focused on forging his own path. His powerful forehand and two-handed backhand contribute to his success on the court. With his recent breakthrough, Draper is now seen as a potential contender for major titles, and his progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
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