Jack Draper Confronts Nausea and Anxiety to Unlock His Full Tennis Potential

Jack Draper, the rising British tennis star, has opened up about his struggles with nausea during crucial matches, a topic he plans to address in the lead-up to his promising career ahead. After an impressive run to his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open, where he faced world number one Jannik Sinner, Draper experienced physical distress, vomiting three times on court during the match. The defeat, which came in straight sets, did not tarnish his achievements but highlighted a pressing concern regarding his health and mental fortitude on the court. Draper, who earlier this year also suffered from sickness after clinching a victory in the first round of the Australian Open, attributed his discomfort to the “psychological stress” of high-stakes competition. "I'm someone who is quite an anxious human being," he admitted, reflecting on the toll that pressure can take on athletes. His candor about the psychological aspects of his game underscores a growing awareness in professional sports about the importance of mental health. In a conversation with BBC Sport’s Laura Scott, Draper expressed his intention to delve deeper into understanding the reasons behind his physical reactions. “I push my body to the limit all the time in training and in my mindset," he stated. "I don't have to worry about sort of not doing enough because I am, which points to the fact that a lot of issues I have are mental." This admission signals a significant maturation for the 22-year-old, who has quickly risen from being ranked 123rd in the world just a year ago to breaking into the top 20. Draper acknowledges the necessity of addressing the mental side of the game, emphasizing that this element is crucial for anyone aspiring to compete at the highest levels. He mentioned that he is already working on techniques such as breathing exercises to manage his anxiety. “I think working on the mental side of the game is a huge thing,” he said. “I’ll definitely just look into that side a little bit more." As he prepares to tackle these challenges, Draper's commitment to self-discovery and improvement stands out as he seeks to enhance not only his performance but also his well-being. Fans and fellow players alike will be watching with interest to see how this journey unfolds for Draper, who is on the cusp of becoming one of the sport's promising talents. With the right support and introspection, he may soon find the balance needed to thrive under pressure and channel his potential into success on the court.