Cameron Norrie’s time at the Australian Open came to an end after he was defeated by Alexander Zverev.
The British star was beaten in five sets by Zverev in the third round to continue his seven-match losing streak against the German.
Norrie has built up an impressive Grand Slam record in the past few years, which included a quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon.
After British players have all exited the tournament by the third round stage, Norrie has explained how Jack Draper can help his fellow players when he returns from injury.
Cameron Norrie says Jack Draper can inspire British players
Norrie was the last British player in the tournament, following first round exits for Sonay Kartal, Fran Jones, and Katie Boulter.
Emma Raducanu, and Arthur Fery reached the second round, but Norrie was the only British player to get any further.
He was asked at his Australian Open press conference whether British players are ‘underachieving’ in tennis.
Who is to blame for Jack Draper’s injury issues?
Norrie responded: “Could be, but I think there’s so much to come. There are so many players, younger players especially, coming through. I think it was a little bit unfortunate with some injuries this year.
“Jack, as well. But I think we need to be patient, and I don’t see why not there can be at least five, six, seven guys in the top 100, and we’re doing everything we can.”
Norrie believes Draper’s return will be a major boost for British tennis, and he could inspire the next generation.
“I think it will help when Jack is back healthy, and I have no doubt Jack is going to come back firing. I think for those guys especially, you know, they’re in and around Jack’s age.
“They can take a lot of confidence playing juniors with Jack and then Jack doing well, and Jack inspiring them and relating to him, as well as me. I think we have to be patient, but for sure, it’s coming.
“We have such great coaches, such great people, and I don’t see why not. If everyone is doing the right thing, they can make it, because we have the talent.”
Norrie and Draper have both been called up for Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Norway on February 5-6.
Cameron Norrie reveals if he’s spoken with Jack Draper since his injury
Despite calling Draper a bastion for British tennis, the star has shared that he is yet to speak to his compatriot during his injury.
Asked if he’s been in touch with Draper, Norrie said: “I haven’t, no, but fingers crossed he is still going.
Where will Jack Draper be ranked by the end of 2026?
“It will be nice to even practice with him and see his level, and we always have amazing practices, so I’m looking forward to that and spending time with him.”
Draper has also signed up to the Rotterdam Open, which follows his supposed appearance at the Davis Cup.
The British star has been missing from the ATP Tour since withdrawing from the US Open with an arm injury.
