Jack Draper is announcing himself as a serious threat in the top half of this year’s US Open draw.
The 22-year-old has looked razor-sharp at Flushing Meadows this week, gliding into the third round with real ease and conviction.
Draper is no stranger to success at the US Open, having reached the fourth round 12 months ago. But, after Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock straight-sets exit, the Brit sees his quarter of the draw open up nicely and will fancy his chances to better the result he experienced in New York last year.
Following a sub-par start to the 2024 campaign, Draper added the experience of Wayne Ferreira to his coaching setup. An instant impact from the South African saw his prodigy clinch a maiden ATP title in Stuttgart and stun defending champion Alcaraz at Queen’s.
This progress stalled a little during the transition in and out of the Olympics, but Draper seems to be nearing his blistering best with a promising run in Cincinnati and an imposing start to his US Open campaign.
US Open promise caused by Jack Draper’s new approach
Having booked his spot in the third round after spending just over three hours on the court, Jack Draper has been nothing short of clinical.
The 25th seed will face Botic van de Zandschulp, who is bidding to capitalize on his momentum after despatching Alcaraz, one of the hot favorites, in straight sets.
Speaking ahead of this matchup, Draper reflected on his 2024 season and what he has tweaked to achieve the success he is now enjoying.
“After the French Open, I took a real look at myself,” Draper said in his press conference. “I said I need to be more aggressive in certain moments, I need to understand [better].
“By losing the matches I did, especially during the period where I lost three 7-6’s on the trot against good players, I felt like these guys aren’t going to let me win the match, I need to do it myself, and play aggressively.”
Draper is referring to the manner of the defeats he suffered in three consecutive tournaments from March to April this year, in Miami, Monte Carlo and Munich, all of which were lost in a deciding-set tiebreak.
US Open draw opens up for Draper
However, since partnering with Ferreira, Draper has reaped the benefits of his aggressive approach and fresh mindset, heading into matches to suffocate his opponent and play on his terms.
That’s exactly what he has done so far at the US Open and, while he is taking care of his business, others seem to be faltering in his section of the draw.
Not only was Alcaraz upset on Thursday night but Sebastian Korda, the Washington champion and possible fourth-round opponent for Draper, was ousted by unseeded Tomas Machac.
This opens up a relatively clear path to the quarter-final stage for Draper, where he is projected to face tenth seed Alex de Minaur.
Playing with aggression and conviction, the young Brit is announcing himself a serious contender for the second week in New York.
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