Jack Draper has been keeping an eye on his fellow British players at Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old leads the way for the homegrown players at the grass court Grand Slam, which he is trying to win for the first time.
Jack Draper won his opening match at the All-England Club for the loss of just five games after his opponent Sebastian Baez retired early in the third set. The world number four is one of 10 Brits through to the Wimbledon second round.
This has occurred for the first time since 1976 and there is one player in particular that Draper reserved some praise for.
Jack Draper thinks Jack Pinnington Jones can match Jacob Fearnley at Wimbledon
One of the most impressive British wins in the opening round of Wimbledon was Jack Pinnington Jones.
The 22-year-old made his main draw Grand Slam debut at SW19 and won his opening match against 27th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Jones defeated the Argentine 7-6(4), 6-3, 7-5, who is ranked 228 places above Jones in the ATP rankings.
Draper thinks this victory will give his compatriot plenty of confidence and thinks he can climb up the rankings similar to Jacob Fearnley, who broke into the world’s top 50 last month.
“Jack’s a really good friend of mine, we lived pretty close to each other. The first time I sort of met him was in 2019,” Draper said.
“Spent a lot of time around him at his house, chilling, you know, just, we’re really good friends, obviously, he chose to go to University so I haven’t seen him in a really long time. So it’s nice to have him back.
“He’s someone who is incredibly talented. He’s, in my opinion, for sure going to be a top 100 player, like, you know, what we see with Jacob. I’m sure that Jack’s gonna be on his way as well to that, because he’s that good, honestly.
“I think it’s really exciting for British tennis, because there’s a lot of these players who are sort of coming out of uni who have the level, you know, and they just need more time, and they’re going to be coming onto the tour, and Jack’s one of those.
“I think, to win today in his first five set match ever. against a really good player, that’s incredible. So I’m really proud of him for sure.
“And like I said, like, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a good run this week or he, you know, at the end of the day, will finish the year high ranking.”
Jack Draper shares some kind words about Andy Murray
British tennis seems to be producing more quality tennis players than it has done for some time.
Several British players have justified being handed wildcards to enter Wimbledon, and while Fearnley has improved his rankings and continues to climb up the rankings, Draper has established himself as one of the world’s best.
The Indian Wells champion has credited the legacy and career of Andy Murray for inspiring a generation of British players with the history and success he achieved.
“When we were younger, we were watching him lift those big trophies,” Draper said. “I think it’s really exciting, both on the men’s and women’s side. We’re in a good spot. Everyone has a really good work ethic.
“Again, I think Andy has shown the way for that. Dan [Evans] and Cam [Norrie]. The work ethic, the desire to get better as a player. It’s really exciting what we’re going to have in the next 10 years for me. It’s cool to be a part of that.”
