Jack Draper’s run to the US Open semi-finals marks a breakthrough moment at the highest level for the 22-year-old.
Singled out as a future star at a young age, Draper has negotiated several ups and downs to make it to the Flushing Meadows spotlight, where he will take on Jannik Sinner on Friday.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the left-hander’s milestone moments.
Wimbledon final
Queen’s success
A day he’ll never forget ?
19-year-old Jack Draper earns his first ATP win, 7-6 7-6 over Jannik Sinner at Queen’s. #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/SgJ2RVKG5S
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 14, 2021
Draper’s early years in the senior game were difficult, with the left-hander growing several inches in height. But, like Andy Murray before him, Draper made a breakthrough at Queen’s Club, where in 2021 he reached the quarter-finals. His first-round opponent was none other than Sinner – their only previous meeting on tour.
Challenger titles
— jack draper (@jackdraper0) April 4, 2022
Draper surged into the top 130 in the rankings with four titles on the second-tier Challenger Tour during the first four months of 2022, a sign that he was on the right path after frustrating injuries.
Summer surge
US Open succour
After finishing 2022 so strongly, Draper was hamstrung by his body for most of 2023, with a shoulder problem that ruled him out of Wimbledon a crushing blow. But he returned in late summer and went on his best grand slam run to that point to make the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
First ATP finals
Jiri Lehecka is the Adelaide International Champion ✨
Brit Jack Draper went the distance in a gripping final but the Czech has won his first ATP title ?? pic.twitter.com/3svwJAhJ6u
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) January 13, 2024
Draper had dropped back outside the top 100 but it did not take him long to start making big strides again, reaching his first ATP Tour final in Bulgaria in November and then opening his 2024 campaign with another final in Adelaide, although the title eluded him both times.
Title joy
A series of close defeats proved frustrating for Draper but he took another step forward on the grass of Stuttgart in June by winning his first ATP Tour title, beating Matteo Berrettini. The victory saw him overtake Cameron Norrie as British number one.
Alcaraz victory
