Jack Draper, the new British men’s number one, achieved a significant victory by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in the second round at Queen’s Club. The 22-year-old Draper thrilled the home crowd, serving out from 0-30 after Alcaraz saved three match points at 5-2.
This win capped a memorable week for Draper, who had just won his first ATP title at the Stuttgart Open on Sunday. He was also confirmed as the top British player on the men’s tour. Draper expressed relief at winning his first ATP event, which helped alleviate the pressure and negative emotions he had been feeling.
Defeating world number two Alcaraz, who recently won the French Open, marks the biggest victory of Draper’s career by ranking. Draper also ended Alcaraz’s 13-match winning streak on grass. He noted that being British number one at a home tournament made him feel calm and relaxed, confident in his tennis and his ability to be a tough opponent.
Draper, who has now won seven consecutive matches, will face American fifth seed Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Draper Passes the Alcaraz Test with Confidence
The match against Alcaraz was highly anticipated, pitting the Wimbledon champion against Britain’s rising star. Draper, who had made significant progress after recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him last year, showcased his aggressive and explosive game in a confident performance.
Draper’s composed and focused demeanor was evident throughout the match, allowing him to rise to the occasion without letting excitement affect his execution. After securing the win, Draper expressed his belief in his ability to win and celebrated with a leap of joy, matched by the enthusiastic reaction of the Queen’s Club crowd.
The emergence of Draper as a new British star is timely, especially with Andy Murray nearing retirement. Even Murray has expressed confidence in Draper’s potential to reach the top of the sport. Draper believes that overcoming tough matches against great players like Alcaraz boosts his confidence and belief in his capabilities.
Draper’s Rise as Britain’s Leading Tennis Player
Draper’s career progression has attracted growing interest. Known in British tennis circles for his talent and strong family connections—his mother Nicky is a coach and former junior champion, and his father Roger was the chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association—Draper first gained wider attention by reaching the Wimbledon junior final in 2018.
Since turning professional, Draper has secured notable wins over top-10 opponents and took a set off Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2021. Despite being hampered by fitness issues and match retirements, Draper has made a strong comeback, rising from outside the top 100 to being seeded at Wimbledon next month.
Jack Draper stuns Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 6-3 😳
Alcaraz hasn’t lost since 2022 on grass 🤯#CinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/XUQn2M9Qux
— Sideline Recaps (@SidelineRecaps) June 20, 2024
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Draper feels that his game is coming together at the perfect time, particularly enjoying playing in London on grass in front of a home crowd. “There is no place I’d rather be than here in London, here on the grass, playing in front of a home crowd. It feels amazing,” he said.
