Jack Draper, the rising British tennis star, is facing a daunting challenge that could make or break his promising career. With all eyes on him, Draper has been urged to address a significant issue that has plagued him in the past and could potentially derail his future success on the court.
The 23-year-old athlete recently made headlines by clinching his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and breaking into the world’s top 10 rankings. This remarkable achievement was a testament to Draper’s hard work and determination to overcome physical setbacks that have raised concerns in the past.
Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has shed light on Draper’s health struggles, hinting that they might have a psychological component. He emphasized that the pressure on Draper as a British tennis player, with the expectations of an entire nation on his shoulders, could have a significant impact on his performance and well-being.
Despite his recent successes and improved physical resilience, Draper has a history of grappling with injuries, including abdominal, elbow, and hip issues. Questions about his fitness and endurance have been raised by former players and coaches, prompting suggestions for him to train in warmer climates to build up his stamina.
While Draper has demonstrated his ability to compete fiercely and endure grueling matches, Mouratoglou has cautioned that he may still be more prone to injuries compared to his smaller counterparts. The coach stressed the importance of injury prevention for Draper to avoid derailing his career trajectory, citing examples of other tall players like Juan Martin del Potro who struggled with frequent injuries.
To combat these challenges, Draper has assembled a top-tier team comprising his tennis coach James Trotman, physiotherapist Shane Annun, and fitness coach Matt Little. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of his game, Draper aims to solidify his position among the tennis elite and fulfill the high expectations placed upon him by his supporters and the tennis community at large.