Jack Draper looking to go ‘all the way’ in tennis after ‘really difficult’ setbacks, faces Tomas Machas in Orleans final

Jack Draper says he believes he can go “all the way” in men’s tennis if he is able to direct his development in the right way following a string of injuries.

The 21-year-old Briton had reached No. 38 in January earlier this year, but sunk out of the top 100 briefly after a number of fitness problems kept him off the match court.

The youngster said that he has not wasted the time away and has instead focused on improving his abilities ahead of his return.

Draper is back at the Orleans Challenger event this week as he looks to get back to his best before the conclusion of the season, and faces Tomas Machac in Sunday’s final.

He told the event’s press: “I feel like this year, although it’s been really difficult, dropping out of the top 100 and all these things. I’ve learned so much and I’m a much better player now than I was nine, 10 months ago.”

Draper revealed the scale of his ambition, saying: “My goal is not to be a top 100 or a top 50 player. My goal is to be one of the best in the world.

“There are many things that need to fall into place for that, but I think if I keep competing and keep working hard day in and day out and doing all the things I need to do physically and mentally to be at the top of the game, there’s no reason why I don’t have the game and the ability to go all the way in this sport.

“I’m proud of myself, but it’s definitely been difficult. With this year, having so many injuries and having to come back from them, it definitely builds a lot of strength of character.

“I knew I just had to get myself in a good place physically and mentally to be at the top of my game.”

Draper has shown plenty of talent in 2023, reaching the last 16 of the US Open, as well as the Adelaide 2 semi-finals.

“The thing with being a tennis player is it’s an individual sport, it’s lonely and stuff, that is where having amazing people around you, who are always looking out for you, always there for you, is so important,” Draper added.