Jack Draper was looking to kick off his grass-court campaign with a big win in his opening match at Queen’s.
The British number one has enjoyed a stellar start to his 2025 season, breaking into the ATP top ten and winning the biggest title of his career.
After Draper won Indian Wells in March, he qualified for the final of the Madrid Open shortly after, reaching a career-high ranking of fourth in the world.
Dropping to world number six over recent weeks, Draper will no doubt be hoping to bounce back with a strong showing on the grass at the Queen’s Club Championships.
He certainly got off to the perfect start, as Draper won his opening match in straight sets against Jenson Brooksby.
Speaking after the match, the British number one commented on his relationship with former British number one, Andy Murray.
Jack Draper says Andy Murray is an ‘unbelievable guy’ and admits he ‘definitely misses him’
During his on-court interview, Draper was asked for his thoughts on Murray, having just won his first match on the newly-named Andy Murray Arena.
“Can’t get rid of this guy,” he joked.
“Andy [Murray] is an unbelievable guy, somebody I’ve been incredibly inspired by, I wouldn’t be where I am without him, I remember coming here when I was younger watching him win these tournaments, an incredible person to get to know.
“I definitely miss him on the tour, but at the same time, hopefully I get to see him around, and who knows, maybe I’ll see him soon.
“Thank you, Andy, this court deserves to be named after you for sure.”
Murray is the most successful player in the history of the Queen’s Club Championships, winning the event on five occasions.
| Tournament | Final opponent | Result | Score |
| 2016 Queen’s Club Championships | Milos Raonic | Win | 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2015 Queen’s Club Championships | Kevin Anderson | Win | 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2013 Queen’s Club Championships | Marin Cilic | Win | 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 |
| 2011 Queen’s Club Championships | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | Win | 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 |
| 2009 Queen’s Club Championships | James Blake | Win | 7-5, 6-4 |
Draper was happy to be back home, as he commented on the tricky transition from clay to grass.
“It feels amazing, there’s no place I’d rather be. We obviously travel the world playing tennis, never get to come home, spend much time with my family, but to be here, to be on this court in front of you guys, my people, my family, thank you,” he said.
“It’s always tricky coming onto grass after the clay, to adapt, sometimes I hit the ball a bit late, not quite on time but the more matches, the more practise time I’m going to get on the courts, I’m going to get better and better, more confident with my tennis, and it’s definitely a surface I really enjoy playing on.
“Obviously, being at home helps as well so all good.”
The 23-year-old also took the time to thank those around him who have helped his progression over the past 12 months.
“So proud, coming back here a year later, I think it’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put in, my team, the people supporting me, the LTA [Lawn Tennis Association], everyone around me, getting behind me, supporting me to be a better player, better person,” said Draper.
“I’m excited to see how I can get on this week. I feel confident, I feel ready, I want to do my best.”
Annabel Croft warns Jack Draper ahead of second-round match with ‘very dangerous’ Alexei Popyrin
Looking ahead to Draper’s second-round match at Queen’s, former British star Annabel Croft gave her verdict on his next opponent.
“I was just having a look at some of [Alexei] Popyrin’s results,” she said.
“He’s beaten [Novak] Djokovic at the US Open just last year, he’s beaten [Daniil] Medvedev, he’s beaten [Casper] Ruud.
Alexei Popyrin’s top ten wins since 2024
- 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters 3R – Beat [7] Casper Ruud
- 2024 Paris Masters 2R – Beat [5] Daniil Medvedev
- 2024 US Open 3R – Beat [2] Novak Djokovic
- 2024 Canadian Open F – [8] Beat Andrey Rublev
- 2024 Canadian Open QF – Beat [6] Hubert Hurkacz
- 2024 Canadian Open 3R – Beat [10] Grigor Dimitrov
- 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters 2R -Beat [6] Andrey Rublev
“Very, very dangerous player, explosive shot-making, big serving. Quite a tricky next encounter, a lot tougher than his opponent today, Jenson Brooksby.”
As dangerous as Popyrin is, he has yet to beat Draper, losing their one previous match at the Qatar Open earlier this year.
Only time will tell who will come out on top when they face off for a place in the Queen’s quarterfinals on Wednesday, June 18.
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