Tim Henman, a British tennis icon, has sent a message of encouragement and support to Jack Draper as the young star sets his sights on the upcoming grass court season, following his fourth-round exit at the French Open. Henman, a former world No. 4 and six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, believes Draper has the potential to achieve great things on the green lawns of Wimbledon and beyond.
Draper’s Clay Court Journey
Draper’s clay court season was a mixed bag, but ultimately a step forward in his career. He reached the final in Madrid, a significant achievement, and had a strong showing in Rome. At the French Open, Draper secured his first-ever wins at Roland Garros, defeating Mattia Bellucci, Gael Monfils, and Joao Fonseca before falling to Alexander Bublik.
Despite the loss to Bublik, Draper acknowledged his progress on clay. “I struggle to put things in perspective, but I think I am proud of the effort that I’ve done on the clay. I think I’ve really improved,” Draper said. He added that he was leaving Roland Garros ranked No. 5 in the world, a testament to his consistent performance throughout the clay season.
Henman’s Words of Encouragement
Henman has been a long-time admirer of Draper’s talent and potential. He believes that Draper is “doing all the right things” and is excited about what the future holds for the young Brit. Following Draper’s defeat at the Italian Open, Henman urged Draper not to be too hard on himself, emphasizing the importance of his team providing reassurance and context to the defeat.
Henman acknowledged the disappointment of losing to Bublik at the French Open, especially with the opportunity to face Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals on the horizon. However, he emphasized the numerous opportunities ahead for Draper, particularly on grass at Queen’s and Wimbledon.
“Right around the corner there are more opportunities, that’s grass, that’s playing at home, that’s Queen’s and Wimbledon, so there are many opportunities for Draper,” Henman said.
Grass Court Expectations
Draper has shown promise on grass in the past, winning his first ATP title in Stuttgart last year, defeating Matteo Berrettini in the final. He also defeated Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s Club, marking Alcaraz’s only loss on grass in the last two seasons.
Draper himself is eager to transition to the faster surface. “I’m going to be very happy to get off the clay. That’s just a fact,” he said. “I’ll be happy to get on a faster surface, a surface that I’m much more comfortable moving on. Yeah, I look forward to being back home, being on the grass, for sure.”
Henman’s Advice and Belief
Henman believes Draper has the mental, physical, and technical capabilities to handle the pressure and expectations that come with playing at home during the grass court season. He also highlighted the importance of Draper’s team in providing support and guidance.
Henman has identified areas where Draper can continue to improve, such as finishing more points at the net. He also praised Draper’s serving and forehand power, while acknowledging his athleticism and movement for a player of his size.
Draper’s Rising Star
Draper’s rise in the rankings has been rapid, and he is now considered one of the most exciting prospects in men’s tennis. Henman is confident that Draper can cope with the increased attention and pressure, citing his strong foundation and the support system around him.
“Certainly, come Wimbledon, come the grass court season, that spotlight is going to be burning pretty brightly. But I definitely think Jack has the capacity mentally, physically and technically to deal with it. And also, I think he’s got a very good team around him who will provide that support,” Henman said.
Wimbledon and Beyond
Draper is confirmed to compete at Queen’s in June, followed by Wimbledon, which runs from June 30 to July 15. He will also return to Flushing Meadows for the US Open from August 24 to September 7.
Henman believes Draper is on a steep learning curve and has the potential to achieve great things in the years to come. He has even spoken to Draper about competing in the Laver Cup, highlighting his potential as a valuable asset for Team Europe.
The Road Ahead
Jack Draper’s journey in tennis has been marked by both success and adversity. With the support of mentors like Tim Henman and a dedicated team, Draper is well-positioned to make a strong impact on the grass court season and continue his ascent in the world of tennis. His focus, determination, and continuous improvement make him a player to watch at Wimbledon and beyond.
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