ack Draper’s U.S. Open: The British Tennis Hope Growing Into Himself in New York
By Charlie Eccleshare
NEW YORK — Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Cincinnati tournament, where Jack Draper controversially triumphed over world No. 19 Felix Auger-Aliassime, the British tennis sensation is now carving his path through a remarkable U.S. Open.
Draper, representing the pinnacle of British tennis, has reached his first Grand Slam semifinal without dropping a single set. Over the course of five matches, he has spent just over nine hours on court, showcasing not only his skill but also his efficiency. On Saturday, he dismissed Botic van de Zandschulp, the conqueror of Carlos Alcaraz, with a commanding score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Previous matches included a dominant victory over Tomas Machac, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2, and a straight-sets win against No. 10 seed Alex de Minaur, 6-3, 7-5, 6-2.
The U.S. Open has become Draper’s favored stage, where he has secured five more victories than at the other three Grand Slam tournaments combined. His appeal to the fans is evident, with many young admirers passionately supporting him during matches. Standing at 6-foot-4, Draper’s presence on the court mirrors that of a young Andy Roddick, characterized by a powerful serve and a vigorous playing style.
Off the court, Draper maintains a grounded demeanor despite his budding celebrity, boasting a part-time modeling contract with IMG and features in prestigious fashion publications such as Vogue and Tatler. At just 22 years old, he manages the pressures of rising stardom with admirable poise.
Following the retirement of his compatriot and mentor Andy Murray, the expectations placed upon Draper have intensified. Embracing his role as Britain's primary tennis hope, he expressed a profound sense of responsibility in delivering strong performances.
So far, Draper has navigated the challenges of the U.S. Open with impressive ease, standing as the first British male since Andy Murray to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. As he continues his journey in New York, the tennis world watches with keen anticipation.
