Draper ready to take lead for British tennis

Jack Draper, a 22-year-old tennis player, recently became the first British man to reach the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray's victory 12 years ago. Despite his achievement, Draper acknowledges the immense pressure and expectations that come with being a leading figure in British tennis, especially following Murray's illustrious career, which includes three Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medals. Draper took over as Britain's men's number one in June, shortly before Murray's retirement at the Paris Olympics. He expressed his readiness to take on the responsibility of leading British tennis but believes it is unrealistic to expect him to replicate Murray's success at this stage in his career. Draper won his first ATP title in Stuttgart earlier this year and is currently ranked 20th in the world, a significant rise from being outside the top 100 just a year ago. His journey has not been without challenges; he faced multiple shoulder injuries that sidelined him for much of the previous season. This experience, however, has been transformative, allowing him to focus on his physical and mental development, which he believes is crucial for sustaining a successful career on the tour. As he progresses in his career, Draper aims to fulfill his potential, whether that leads to Grand Slam victories or not. He is set to compete next in the Japan Open, where he has already advanced to the quarter-finals. Draper emphasizes that his focus is not solely on tennis but on developing a robust mindset and physicality to endure the rigors of professional tennis. Overall, Draper's ascent in the sport marks a hopeful chapter for British tennis, as he seeks to carve out his own legacy while respecting the monumental achievements of his predecessor, Andy Murray.