But the 23-year-old says that despite being in the same age bracket as the new superstars of the sport, world No. 1 Sinner and five-time major champion Alcaraz, he still has plenty of catching up to do.
“They are similar ages, but they’ve been on tour being a top player maybe a couple of years more than I have.
“What they’ve been able to do is incredibly impressive. The results and titles speak for themselves.
“I’m still a long way from where they’re at. I aspire to be with them, but right now I’ve got to focus on myself and work hard to prove that I can get to their level.”
Draper kicks off his Wimbledon campaign against world No. 38 Sebastian Baez, but is on the tougher side of the draw with Alexander Bublik, Novak Djokovic and Sinner potentially between him and a place in the final.
Such talk is possibly premature, though, given the Brit has never progressed beyond the second round at SW19.
Expectations have risen alongside his ranking, though, and Draper was asked if he had reached out to two-time champion Andy Murray for advice on how to handle the pressure of being Britain’s leading hopeful.
“No, not really. I know that I’ve got people to lean on in Murray and Tim Henman,” he said.
“I’m very fortunate to have that, but at the same time, I haven’t spoken too much to them about it.
“Everyone’s on their different journey and has their own way of dealing with things. But they’ve always said to me that if I need to lean on them, I can.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/06/22/4129174-83721128-2560-1440.jpg)
Alcaraz beats Lehecka in Queen’s Club final thriller ahead of Wimbledon defence
Video credit: SNTV
Draper – ‘I feel I belong at the top level’
Draper has picked up three ATP titles, winning in Vienna and Stuttgart last year before his superb Indian Wells triumph.
But the lefty has also shown resilience this year in being able to make deep challenges on a regular basis, with runs to finals in Doha and Madrid and to the Queen’s semi-finals this year.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/06/27/image-5ef89129-364b-4d08-9ef7-40cc40ca7b06-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Jack Draper of Great Britain hits a forehand during a practice session prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 25, 2025 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
“The consistency in my results has helped me to feel like I belong at the top level more and more,” Draper said.
“That helps when I’m on court competing, feeling like I’m in control of the moment. That I can do anything and beat the best players.”
“I know that comes with being more successful,” Draper said.
“I focus on the things that are in my control – I can’t control noise, and what people say and what people think. It’s a big compliment that they think I’m worthy of those things. I’m yet to prove it, but I’m working as hard as I can.”
