Jack Draper tells funny story about what happened when he played doubles against Jannik Sinner when they were both juniors

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Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner are flying high at this year’s US Open, each carving a dominant path to the quarter-finals.

The pair have come a long way since their first tour-level meeting in 2021, where Draper defeated the Sinner to announce himself on the scene with an awe-inspiring run to the Queen’s quarter-finals.

At 23, Sinner has soared to dizzying heights in the sport, claiming his maiden grand slam title at this year’s Australian Open and, just months later, becoming the first Italian player to reach world number.

While Sinner has remained at the top of the game, Draper’s seismic rise has continued in 2024.

A stellar summer saw him claim his maiden ATP title, defeat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, and reach a career-high of number 25, which is guaranteed to progress further after the US Open.

The two stars have forged a special bond throughout their respective careers, and Sinner and Draper even teamed up on the doubles court in Montreal last month in a surprisingly fruitful partnership.

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner’s friendship has blossomed

Both Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner could be on a potential collision course to meet in a blockbuster semi-final clash at this year’s US Open.

With his imposing run to the quarter-final, Draper became the first British men’s singles player to reach this stage of the tournament since Andy Murray did in 2016.

World number one Sinner has also managed to maintain a strong level but faces tough opposition in Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion.

Ahead of the quarter-finals, Draper has reflected on his friendship with Sinner and how it has blossomed over the years.

“The first time I met Jannik we were at an under-18 tournament and I think I played him in the doubles in a grade one ITF,” Draper said in a press conference. “I didn’t know him but it was strange following his journey because when he was younger he was probably not one of the best juniors.

“I remember playing him in doubles and we were saying hit to him because he’s not the best player on the court!

“Watching his progress from winning Bergamo challenger to getting to the top 20 quickly when we were all 300 or 400 in the world. I have followed him and think he is really well mannered and an amazing guy and good for the sport, his tennis is incredible too.

“Since I have been on the tour, seeing him in the changing rooms, we say hi to each other a lot and keep in touch on text and just in general we are young, we are playing this incredible tough sport, there is a lot of emotional ups and downs and tough moments.

“It started through sending messages to each other when we were having bad or good moments and then it was a real good thing we played doubles in Montreal. I loved being on the court with him. It was strange being on the court with someone that good. We played great doubles. Hopefully, I get to play with him again.

“But as a person, he is incredibly kind, genuine, and funny – that’s more important than being a great player but he is also an unbelievable player and great for the sport too.”

Can Draper go all the way at the US Open?

Draper has equipped himself with a new aggressive approach this year, and it is has been paying dividends throughout his inspiring run at Flushing Meadows.

The 22-year-old has been able to rely on his punishing groundstrokes and lefty serve, which is yet to be broken.

However, Draper will face off against his first seeded opponent on Wednesday coming in the form of world number 10 Alex de Minaur, in what will be a real indicator of his current level.

In being the lowest-ranked, and least experienced, player left in the draw, the Brit is in unchartered territory but, regardless of the outcome, Draper’s mesmerizing run offers much promise for what is in store in years to come.