Jack Draper fought back from a set down against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2024 Cincinnati Open and declared after the match that he wanted to become one of the best players in the world.
The Brit made some deep runs in the past, including at the US Open, where he made the second week, but his consistency hasn't been there yet. He's also dealt with many injuries that prevented him from finding that consistency.
The talent was never in question. The level was often there, but things haven't worked properly for him in the past. However, this year, he's had a couple of outstanding showings. Beating Carlos Alcaraz at the Queen's Club was a statement win.
His most recent win over Tsitsipas was another big statement win, and he doesn't want to stop there. He's been working with Frances Tiafoe's former coach, Wayne Ferreira, for a while, and the two set out a plan to be more aggressive.
With the way he's played since Ferreira took over, it seems like the right approach, and he talked about it in a recent interview with the Tennis Channel.
"Having Wayne come on board and giving all his advice. Getting to number six in the world and coaching Francis to being in the top ten. I think he has incredible value. His message to me is I’ve got to be more aggressive."
"I’ve got to try and take more risk, be the one to force the play because, at the end of the day, I think tennis is going in that way where everyone’s a lot more aggressive now."
Playing aggressively with his skillset is a smart move because Draper has a great serve, which can put a lot of pressure on his opponents. He also has a powerful forehand and backhand, which is all a player needs to succeed.
All he needs now is to become very consistent with those shots. There is no shortage of motivation for Draper because he genuinely believes that he can become one of the best players in the world.
Playing more aggressively is certainly part of the plan, but execution matters. Knowing what he needs to do is only a part of the equation. Ultimately, he will have to go out and execute the way he did against Tsitsipas.
"I have big, big goals. I want to genuinely be one of the best players in the world. I think for me the difference is in the way I play. Trying to play more aggressively but also the best players in the world."
"They only win 53, 54% of the points. The margins at this level are so small. I think it’s how I can play those those bigger points better and how I am able to manage, emotionally and physically, at the top level."
Next up for him at the ATP Masters 1000 event is either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Casper Ruud, who had their second-round match postponed, making them play two matches in one day, which puts Draper in a clear advatnage.
0 Comments