Jack Draper reflects on his sensational comeback against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Cincinnati
Jack Draper has been making waves all throughout this year in the ATP Tour. His upward trajectory in rankings and dominant performances deep into tournaments established the British no.1 as a bona fide young superstar, which was most recently at display when he beat the world no.11 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a major upset.
The Briton started slow, but won 12 of the last 17 points, as he fought back from a set down to beat the Greek in a 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 match.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, who recently broke his coaching partnership with his father Apostolos, now trails 2-0 against Draper in head-to-head. Regardless, the world no.28 was all praises for the Greek and also sympathized with his loss due to certain court conditions. He also revealed that he himself struggled due to the heat, and hopes the temperatures cool down in his next matches.
“I think Stefanos is a big presence on the court, last time we played was a couple of years ago, in these conditions it’s really difficult, the courts are insanely fast, I think they are the fastest courts I have ever played on in my life. The ball travels so fast through the court. It’s hard to play good tennis. The first hour I really struggled, I played a really poor game to start off and that just isn’t good enough against these top players,” said Jack Draper (via Eurosport).
“I think my grit, my determination and my attitude won that match today and I am very proud of that.” the 22-year-old added.
“Andy’s been such a role model and an inspiration for me” : Draper’s comments on his idol Andy Murray
Recently retired Andy Murray has developed to become a huge role model for young tennis fans in the UK and worldwide. His relationship with young players is one of mentorship, support and setting greater standards. Jack Draper has not shied away from citing Murray has his role model as he has grown up in the UK. Earlier in the Paris Olympics, the British world no.1 paid his tribute to Andy Murray as he bid adieu to the sport.
“It was amazing. Andy’s been such a role model and an inspiration for me throughout the years, I think to be at his last event was incredible. Obviously, what he’s done for the sport and done for British tennis, hopefully I can take it forward from here,” said the youngster.
“To be a part of the team and to be at his last event, having watched when he was younger, what he’s achieved and stuff, that was really special and a real honour for me. Hopefully, he’s going to stick around and not be a stranger. He’ll still be around and give advice and be a good friend,” Draper concluded.
Andy Murray’s contribution towards inspiring younger generations might have been overshadowed by his legacy as a ‘Big 4’ player, but his influence on Briton youngsters like Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, and Emma Raducanu who have all addressed his impact on their careers will live on forever.
