Jack Draper Shines Bright at U.S. Open, Aiming for Grand Slam Glory After Turmoil

After the storm of Cincinnati two weeks ago, where he controversially beat world No. 19 Felix Auger-Aliassime with an illegal shot on match point, Britain's tennis hope Jack Draper is experiencing a more tranquil atmosphere at the U.S. Open this year. Draper, the British No. 1, has reached the fourth round for the second consecutive year without dropping a set, showcasing a formidable display of skill that has seen him on court for less than six hours in total. Remarkably, no player remaining in the men's draw has lost fewer games than Draper thus far. In a decisive match on Saturday, Draper dispatched Dutch world No. 77 Botic van de Zandschulp with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, taking just over two hours to seal the victory. The young star has built a strong connection with the U.S. Open crowd, particularly with younger fans who openly express their admiration. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches, Draper's physical presence is complemented by his powerful serve and energetic movement, reminiscent of a younger Andy Roddick. Although he has a part-time modeling contract with IMG and has graced the pages of major fashion magazines like Vogue and Tatler, Draper maintains a grounded demeanor, embodying the essence of a rising star during his 22 years. With the retirement of his friend and mentor Andy Murray, Draper has become the focal point of British tennis, carrying the weight of the nation's expectations. As he remarked before the tournament, with Murray absent, he feels a "responsibility to really play good tennis." As the tournament progresses, Draper emerges as the bookies' favorite to reach the semifinals in his quarter of the draw, especially after van de Zandschulp's unexpected victory over Carlos Alcaraz. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly with the formidable world No. 39, Tomas Machac, standing in his way. Reflecting on his previous year’s fourth-round defeat to Andrey Rublev, Draper believes he has grown significantly in both skill and mindset over the past twelve months. Draper's journey has had its share of ups and downs. Earlier this year, he added former world No. 6 Wayne Ferreira to his coaching team, which helped him secure his first ATP title in Stuttgart and achieve a stunning victory over Alcaraz at Queen's. However, setbacks followed, including a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati controversy, which saw him labeled a "tennis villain" after his controversial match against Auger-Aliassime. Despite the backlash, Draper has sought to turn this experience into a learning opportunity, recognizing that handling criticism is essential for any aspiring top-10 player. Outside of the spotlight, Draper is described by those who know him as a caring individual with a warm personality. British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith noted Draper's respectful nature, highlighting how he engages with even the behind-the-scenes staff with genuine kindness. Draper's journey has also been shaped by his family, with both parents being influential in his tennis career and his brother Ben now part of his support team. Having gone through a turbulent phase marked by injuries and self-doubt, Draper’s recent physical and psychological adjustments seem to be paying off. He has shifted his focus to becoming an aggressive baseliner, shedding the more passive style that characterized his earlier games. With a newfound confidence and clarity in his purpose on the court, he is ready to face Machac with the aim of reaching a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time. Draper’s aspirations extend beyond mere participation; he believes in his potential to rank among the world’s elite. "If my game keeps on improving, I keep the mindset, and keep on improving physically like I have been, I don't see any reason why I can't be one of the best players in the world," he affirmed confidently. With the echoes of Murray’s legacy still resonating in the locker room, Draper stands poised to carve out his own path, embracing the pressure and excitement that come with being Britain's leading tennis hope in this post-Murray era.