Jack Draper now believes he belongs at the top of his game after reaching the semi-finals of the US Open and says “it’s only a matter of time” before he makes his Grand Slam breakthrough.
Draper was hurt several times on court as his US Open dream ended in a heartbreak semi-final as he lost in three sets to No. 1 Jannik Dosa.
The British No 1 enjoyed an incredible run in New York and has high hopes of emulating Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu by winning the title.
“I spent a bit, but that’s the nature of sport, especially tennis, it’s relentless, mentally, physically, emotionally,” Draper told Sky Sports.
“You have to have everything as a tennis player. I’m obviously very proud of myself, and I can look back.
“Now, I’m a bit emotional, a bit ‘lost’ to have to finish like that, but I have to respect Jannik as the number one player in the world and he’s incredible.
“I came a bit unstuck today but hopefully I will have many opportunities in the future.”
Draper is not content
Draper said he was not satisfied with himself at the moment, even though he climbed into the Top 20 in the world after his breakthrough in New York.
“I still have a lot to do. I still have to improve a lot. At the end of the day, I have to keep improving physically, mentally, the way I play,” he said.
“But there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be at the top of my game with these guys. I proved that to myself on several occasions this year. My goal now is to try and do it more consistently and put myself in front of these guys on a regular basis at the end of the tournament .
“I think I can. But it’s just a matter of time.”
A worrying problem for Draper
Draper’s anxiety at the high-pressure event eventually took its toll as he vomited during the match at the end of the court.
“It was difficult. I had a big sweater on the court and it was extremely humid today. I felt like I had lost a lot and it was difficult,” said the 22-year-old.
“We pushed ourselves to the limit. I had a physical and tough first two sets.
“Sometimes with anxiety, with pressure, with everything you start to get sick outside. I had today and it’s something I’ve wanted since the beginning of my career, I hope to improve.”
Sin: Jack has made a breakthrough
Dosa arrives at the tournament under a cloud following the anti-doping scandal, where he avoided a ban despite two positive tests earlier in the year, but has proven his tough mentality to reach his first final at Flushing Meadows.
He faces his biggest test yet against Draper, but has won all the big time and is now the clear favorite to win his first US Open title on Sunday.
Sinner said: “Obviously it’s difficult for Jack, of course. The semis, they play a little bit differently, and in the Grand Slams, the final is a bit different. You feel a lot of tension. It’s a bit different.
“But it’s good to share the court with him. I hope we have some more fights in the future, that’s what I’m sure about.
“He has made a breakthrough this week, playing amazing tennis, serving well. Physically he has improved a lot.
“So he’s going to be very hard to beat in the future, that’s for sure. I like him.”
Henman: Go ahead and step up for Draper
Tim Henman, speaking to Sky Sports:
“Sinner plays better tennis. It’s really about Sinner playing better tennis when it matters most.
“There were a few ups and downs in the first set, but at the end of the first and second set – there was a lot of drama – but that’s when Dosa showed their class, with the ball on both wings.
“He made a physical rally and it was a lot for Jack. He will learn a lot from this.
“To be in a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time is a big stepping stone. Keep going and going up.”
What’s coming to Sky Sports Tennis in September?
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (September 9-15)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (September 9-15)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (September 16 -22 – with Emma Raducanu in action)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (September 16-22)
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, the NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports subscribers access to more than 50 per cent of live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.