British tennis player Jack Draper has expressed optimism about his return to Wimbledon, despite entering the tournament ranked No. 131 in the world. Draper, who was seeded No. 4 at last year’s Wimbledon, has spent much of the past 10 months sidelined due to arm and knee injuries.
The 24-year-old from Sutton resumed competitive play recently at the Eastbourne tournament, where he reached the semi-finals under the guidance of his new coach, former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. Draper described his current condition as promising, emphasizing gradual improvements in his movement and physical readiness.
“It’s been an incredibly long process,” Draper said, referring to his recovery journey. “It’s taken a lot out of me mentally coming back and coming back and coming back. I feel like I’m in a position now where I can compete at a really high level and really compete with the best players.” He added that earlier in the year he was still managing physical challenges, but has since found a balance that allows him to perform more consistently.
Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion and former world No. 1, has taken on a coaching role for Draper and will watch the Briton compete on Centre Court in his opening-round match against the No. 6 seed, Taylor Fritz. Draper highlighted the importance of Murray’s support during his recovery. “It’s not been an easy time at all. Him being around to help guide me through this period, get me back to being on court, back to competing, has been very, very special,” Draper said. “Andy’s obviously dealt with an incredible amount throughout his career. I have huge admiration for what he’s done. I think it will be a great partnership, what we’ve got.”
Reflecting on the challenges he faced following his high seeding at last year’s Wimbledon, Draper spoke candidly about the difficulties of coping with unexpected setbacks. “Looking back, coming here last year as No. 4 in the world, I was feeling incredible and looking forward to everything that was to come. Then you have something that stops you in your tracks when you’re not expecting it. It’s really difficult to accept that,” he said.
Draper’s first-round opponent, American Taylor Fritz, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year, acknowledged the significance of their matchup. “It’s not the easiest first-round match but I’m excited to have that match that everyone’s going to be paying attention to and watching,” Fritz said ahead of the contest.