Although it ultimately ended in blood – or rather vomit – sweat and tears, the 2024 US Open was still one to remember for the Great Britain number one Jack Draper.
The youngster reached the last four of a Grand Slam for the very first time at Flushing Meadows, overcoming Alex de Minaur in the quarter-final before losing to Jannik Sinner.
Draper’s match against the world number one simply proved a bridge too far. He was struggling on the court and vomited twice during his defeat in straight sets.
All is not lost though for the 22-year-old. The new world rankings have been released and it’s a case of moving on up for Draper in his quest to establish himself on the tour.
Jack Draper delivers instant reaction as world ranking update is announced
For the first time in his career, Draper now sits in the top 20 of the world, moving up five places from 25th to 20th in the world.
That represents quite a remarkable turnaround considering just 14 months ago he was ranked outside of the top 100 and wondering how to kick-start his career.
After realising that he’d broken into the top 20 of the world, Draper took to X to post an instant reaction to the news.
He said: “Top 20!!! I remember 14 months ago I was sat on the couch at home watching the Wimbledon final and seeing my ranking drop outside the top 100. Head in the shed! Shows what consistent work and great people around you can do!! Hungry for more.”
Draper has proved he can win major title after US Open
Boris Becker has claimed that Draper needs to be a little bit fitter and that will perhaps be something he works on ahead of future Grand Slam events.
Draper is only young though and to be in the top 20 is quite remarkable at this stage of his career, especially considering where he was 14 months ago.
Next year could be the one when he really kicks on. He will have more experience under his belt and he should be better for what he’s achieved this year on the tour.
It wasn’t to be for Draper at the US Open. However, he lost to a player who lost just one set in winning the title and that isn’t something for him to dwell on.
The Great Britain star has proved he belongs on this stage and now it will be fascinating to watch him try and reach the next level.
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