British No. 1 Jack Draper aiming to emulate Andy Murray at Wimbledon – ‘I’m confident that I can inspire people like Andy has’

Brit Draper climbed to No. 4 in the ATP rankings after reaching the semi-finals at Queen’s Club, meaning he will avoid favourites Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz until the last four at Wimbledon.

“When Andy retired, he said I was the next in line, and I know it’s Wimbledon coming up,” Draper said in a press conference.

“I didn’t really think about it then, and I’ve improved so much to put myself in this position. I’ll keep trying to do my best and keep improving, to show my best tennis out there.

“Andy’s done an unbelievable job of that and has been incredibly successful and become adored by the nation.

“It’s big shoes to fill, and I’m aware of that, but at the same time, I’m confident in myself that I can inspire people like Andy has done.

“I think he’s reluctant to comment on anything to do with me because he understands what it’s like to be in this position.

“I know Andy’s right there for me if I need him at any time. There may come a point where I ask him a few things and I’m sure he’ll come back and be extremely helpful and supportive as always.”

Draper’s impressive progress was halted slightly by an unexpected defeat to Jiri Lehecka in their Queen’s semi-final, but the 23-year-old reflected on his development since losing in the second round at Wimbledon last year.

“I rested up for a couple of days, I trained, I played a match at Hurlingham, and I feel much better now. I’m full of energy to try and find my best tennis this coming week,” he said.

“I definitely feel like a very different player. I feel like, personally, I’ve grown a lot since last year. It’s testament to the work I’ve done, the people I have around me that have been with me through the ups and downs of my career so far.

“I have a lot more belief in myself physically, also mentally. I still feel like I can improve so, so much, and I’m nowhere near where I want to get to.

“As a player you always want to improve, but I’m happy to come here a year later with all the progress I’ve made, and I’m very proud of that.”