Jack Draper continues to prove that he is the next star of British tennis after producing a comprehensive win over Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach his first Grand Slam third round at the US Open.
Draper, who is playing in the main draw of a major for only the third time, stormed to an impressive 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, win over the world No.8. Saving all three break points he faced in the match and hitting 29 winners against 17 unforced errors. It is the second time he has beaten a top 10 player this season after scoring a win over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Canadian Masters.
“I’ve been watching for the last few years, wanting a chance to play against him. To beat him in a Grand Slam is obviously a great achievement for me. I’m proud of the way I performed out there,” Draper said during his press conference.
2022 has been a breakout season for the 20-year-old who started the year ranked 265th in the world. He has won a quartet of Challenger titles across Italy and France. On the ATP Tour, he has reached the semi-finals of the Eastbourne International, as well as the quarter-finals of the Canadian Masters and Winston-Salem.
Now projected to crack the top 50 for the first time as a result of his latest win, Draper credits part of his rise to training at the National Tennis Center (NTC) with the other top British players. He is one of four men from his country currently in the top 100 on the ATP Pepperstone Rankings.
“I think I’ve known my tennis ability has been good for a long time now. I’ve had the privilege to hit with Andy (Murray), Cam (Norrie) and Dan (Evans) at the NTC. They’re top players in their own right. I know I could hold my own a while back with them.” He said.
“It’s been more about how am I going to cope mentally and physically at this level and do it consistently. That’s what top-tier tennis is all about, being able to be there every single point, compete with these guys.’
“I think I’ve known that my tennis is there, it’s just about the process of how I’m going to cope physically and mentally.”
The youngester might turn to advice from his fellow countrymen ahead of his third round clash against Karen Khachanov. Particularly Wimbledon semi-finalist Norrie who has played the Russian six times since 2021.
“I think some of the Brits know Khachanov. I’ve watched him a fair bit. A tough competitor. He’s physical. It’s going to be a really tough match,” he said.
“In a Grand Slam, it’s going to be a physical match and hopefully I can bring the same level.”
Draper is one of two British players to reach the third round in New York along with Andy Murray.
