Jack Draper: The Brit Copying Nadal’s Spin and Ditching Caffeine

Jack Draper, the 23-year-old British tennis sensation, is rapidly ascending the ranks of the ATP. Currently ranked at world No. 5, Draper has drawn comparisons to Rafael Nadal, not only for his left-handed playing style but also for his powerful forehand with a significant topspin. In a quest to optimize his performance, Draper has made a notable dietary change by eliminating caffeine. This is the inside story of Draper’s journey, exploring the Nadal comparisons and the impact of his caffeine-free diet.

The Rise of Jack Draper

Draper’s rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of meteoric. He is now among a select few British players to break into the top five in the ATP rankings, joining the ranks of Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, and Andy Murray. Draper’s current world ranking is No. 5, achieved on May 5, 2025. He has captured three ATP titles, including a Masters 1000 victory at the 2025 Indian Wells Open, and reached a Grand Slam semi-final at the 2024 US Open.

His journey has been marked by resilience, overcoming early career fitness challenges and injuries. Like fellow Brit Emma Raducanu, Draper faced physical setbacks that threatened to derail his progress. However, his dedication and hard work have enabled him to emerge stronger, gaining better control over his body and emotions.

The Nadal Comparison

The comparisons between Draper and Rafael Nadal stem from several factors. Both are left-handed players with strong forehands that generate heavy topspin. This has led to some observers drawing parallels between Draper’s game and that of the “King of Clay”.

Draper himself acknowledges Nadal’s influence, stating that he looked up to Nadal when he was younger. He recognizes that he shares some attributes with the Spanish legend, particularly his attitude on the court and the way he puts spin on his forehand. However, Draper remains humble about the comparisons, joking that he hasn’t won 14 Roland Garros titles yet.

Coach’s Perspective

Draper’s coach, James Trotman, has admitted that they have studied Nadal’s tactics to sharpen key aspects of Draper’s game. Trotman noted that they’ve specifically looked at Nadal’s serve returns and certain game patterns. He added that it would be “silly not to look at” Nadal, given that Draper is also a left-handed player.

Trotman emphasizes that while Draper’s team is keen to avoid the pressures of being compared to one of the all-time greats, they can still learn valuable lessons from Nadal’s game.

Draper’s Humility

Despite the praise and comparisons, Draper remains grounded. After defeating Tommy Paul at the Madrid Open, when Annabel Croft suggested his game was reminiscent of Nadal, Draper responded with amusement: “I mean I haven’t won 14 Roland Garros’ just yet!”.

Draper recognizes the need to stay focused and avoid complacency. He acknowledges that he is still far from Nadal’s level on clay.

The Dietary Change: Cutting Out Caffeine

In a bid to enhance his on-court performance, Draper made a significant change to his diet by eliminating caffeine. This decision was driven by a desire to improve his durability and focus during matches.

Rationale

The decision to cut out caffeine reflects Draper’s commitment to prioritizing his mental and physical well-being. By eliminating caffeine, he aims to achieve greater stability in his energy levels and reduce the risk of energy crashes during long and demanding matches.

Impact

While the specific impact of the caffeine-free diet on Draper’s performance is difficult to quantify, it is clear that this change is part of a broader effort to optimize his physical and mental state. Draper’s focus on nutrition and well-being demonstrates his dedication to achieving his full potential on the court.

Overcoming Fitness Struggles

Draper’s career has been marked by a series of fitness challenges and injuries. These setbacks have tested his resilience and determination.

Early Challenges

At the age of 16, Draper began experiencing issues with his physical endurance and fitness, which led to severe cramps and breathing problems during matches. One of his most public struggles occurred at the 2021 Miami Open, where he collapsed on the court due to heat exhaustion.

Transformation

Over time, Draper has undergone a physical transformation that has enabled him to compete at higher levels with greater consistency. He has gained recognition for his power, particularly his left-handed serve.

Influences

Several individuals have played pivotal roles in Draper’s journey to overcome his fitness struggles. His coach, James Trotman, has helped him both physically and mentally. Trotman’s emphasis on mental toughness, along with improved nutrition and fitness regimes, has enabled Draper to push beyond his physical limits. Draper’s family, particularly his father, Roger, has also provided unwavering support throughout his career.

Career Highlights

Draper’s career has been filled with notable achievements and milestones.

• 2018: Reached the boys’ singles final at Wimbledon.
• 2022: Won three ATP Challenger titles in the first quarter of the year.
• 2024: Won his first ATP title at the Boss Open. Reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open.
• 2025: Won his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells. Reached a career-high ranking of world No. 5.

Future Aspirations

Draper has expressed his desire to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Inspired by rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Draper is determined to fulfill his potential and secure a Grand Slam title in the near future.

Andy Roddick believes Draper needs to get his body used to playing in hot conditions. Roddick suggests Draper should find a second, hotter training base to get used to the brutal conditions at tournaments like the Australian Open.

Conclusion

Jack Draper’s journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and resilience. While the comparisons to Rafael Nadal may be premature, Draper undoubtedly possesses the potential to achieve great things in the world of tennis. His decision to eliminate caffeine from his diet reflects his commitment to optimizing his performance, and his ability to overcome fitness challenges demonstrates his mental fortitude. As Draper continues to develop and refine his game, he is poised to become a major force in the sport for years to come.