Jack Draper has made history by becoming only the fourth British man to advance to the US Open singles semi-finals in the Open era. His path to this milestone involved victories over notable opponents including Zhang Zhizhen, Facundo Diaz Acosta, Botic van de Zandschulp, Tomas Machac, and Alex de Minaur. Draper’s next challenge will be facing world number one Jannik Sinner.
Draper first captured attention during the Wimbledon juniors in 2018. At just 16, he made a significant impression at the All England Club by advancing to the semi-finals. There, he outplayed Lorenzo Musetti, who later reached the men’s semi-finals at Wimbledon this year. Draper’s semi-final match against Nicolas Majia was a grueling encounter that ended 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (6-8), 19-17. Despite a loss to Tseng Chun-hsin in the final, Draper’s performance suggested a promising future.
The 2024 season has marked a turning point for Draper. His first ATP title came at the Stuttgart Open in June, propelling him to British number one status. A few days later, Draper made headlines at Queen’s by defeating Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, who was on a 13-match winning streak on grass. Draper’s victory was a testament to his calm and composed demeanor under pressure.
While Andy Murray long stood as the pinnacle of British tennis, Draper has emerged as a strong contender. Despite earlier setbacks due to injuries and fitness issues, Draper has made a successful comeback in 2024. Murray has praised Draper’s potential, noting his exciting play and promising future.
Draper’s performance at the US Open continues to build on this reputation. He joins the ranks of British tennis greats like Murray, Greg Rusedski, and Tim Henman, who have also reached the singles semi-finals in New York.
Off the court, Draper is also gaining attention in the fashion world. He has been featured in high-profile photoshoots and magazines, including Tatler and Vogue. His charm and style have made him a standout figure beyond the tennis arena, with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour even attending his fourth-round match against Machac.
Draper’s achievements reflect both his on-court skill and his growing influence in popular culture, setting the stage for a promising future in tennis and beyond.
