Jack Draper expressed that winning his first ATP title liberated him from negativity and paved the way for his impressive victory over Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s. Draper, now Britain’s top-ranked men’s player at 22, secured a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win over Alcaraz in the second round, delighting the home crowd despite Alcaraz saving three match points. This capped off a remarkable week for Draper following his triumph at the Stuttgart Open and subsequent rise to British number one. Draper reflected, “Winning the ATP title last week freed me from negative emotions and pressure I’ve imposed on myself.” His victory over world number two Alcaraz marked a career milestone, ending Alcaraz’s 13-match grass court winning streak. Looking ahead to his quarter-final against Tommy Paul, Draper feels calm and confident, trusting in his game and approach.

The anticipation for this matchup was palpable from the moment the draw was announced over the weekend. It was a clash between the reigning Wimbledon champion and Britain’s brightest prospect, Jack Draper.

Draper has made significant strides in the past year, rebounding from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire British grass-court season last year. Facing Alcaraz was not just a match but a litmus test of his progress, and Draper surpassed expectations with flying colors.

His recent focus on injecting more aggression into his explosive game was evident in his confident performance, where he dominated rallies and controlled the pace of play. Equally impressive was Draper’s mental composure throughout the match, displaying a mature approach that balanced his excitement for the occasion with a sharp focus on execution.

“I went out there believing I could win the match, and that’s exactly what I did,” Draper affirmed afterward. His victory was celebrated with a composed handshake with Alcaraz followed by an exuberant leap into the air, reflecting the emotional intensity of the moment and the elation of the Queen’s crowd witnessing another rising British star.

Draper’s emergence comes at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the impending retirement of Andy Murray later this year at the age of 37. Even Murray himself has endorsed Draper’s potential, foreseeing a bright future for the young talent in the sport.

Reflecting on his journey, Draper acknowledges the pivotal role played by his family in his development. His mother, Nicky, a coach and former junior champion, and his father, Roger, former CEO of the Lawn Tennis Association, have provided unwavering support. Draper first captured wider attention in 2018 with a run to the Wimbledon junior final and has since made significant strides on the professional circuit, including notable victories over top-10 opponents and a set taken from Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2021.

Despite setbacks with fitness and match retirements that saw him drop out of the top 100 last year, Draper’s resurgence has been nothing short of inspiring. As he prepares for Wimbledon, where he will be seeded next month, Draper feels his game coming together at just the right moment. Playing on the grass courts of London, in front of a supportive home crowd, Draper feels a sense of fulfillment and excitement about what lies ahead in his promising career.