Jack Draper is through to the Queen’s quarter-finals but he was made to work very hard for it.
The 23-year-old is back on grass and playing in front of his home fans and he is desperate to have a good campaign.
He comfortably won his opening match against Jenson Brooksby, but Alexei Popyrin pushed the British number one to his limit.
Ultimately Draper came from behind to emerge victorious in three sets, but he is aware that there is still plenty of work for him to do at Queen’s this week.
Jack Draper explains what he has been doing in training that is not translating to his matches
Jack Draper has worked extremely hard over the past two seasons to elevate his game.
This has been reflected in his results as over the past 18 months Draper has won three titles, one of which came at Masters 1000 level and he also has a Grand Slam semi-final to his name.
The World number six aims to bring that form to Queen’s and though he has reached the quarter-finals and is working hard in practice, he is not satisfied with his level of play at the moment.
“To be honest, I don’t think I have been that great,” Draper told reporters. “You know, I think I have competed really hard. I think my serve’s been pretty good. But I think off the ground I have not been that clean. I think my decision-making could be a lot better. I know it’s easy to say.
“I have just beaten a guy ranked 20 in the world. It was a good match, good competing, but the tennis I know I can play and the tennis that’s got me to the position I’m in, I think there is still a lot of improvement to come.
“I’ve been hitting the ball better and better in practice each time, but sometimes that doesn’t necessarily adjust to the match court straightaway.”
Jack Draper aims to peak in time for Wimbledon
Draper not only wants to have a solid Queen’s campaign, but he aims to be at his best for the Wimbledon Championships.
Draper has yet to go beyond the second round at the All-England Club, but many believe that will change in 2025.
The 2024 US Open semi-finalist will be seeded fourth at Wimbledon if he can reach the semi-finals at Queen’s, meaning he cannot play anyone in the top three before the semi-final stage at SW19.
Draper stated his goal to be at his best for tennis’ most prestigious tournament and hopes to increase his level at Queen’s for the remainder of the tournament.
“My goal is to peak at Wimbledon, you know. I’m going to give myself a chance each day to get better,” he said.
“So hopefully more tennis this week, a day off tomorrow, I can start to show better tennis out there and be a bit cleaner.”
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