Tim Henman has pointed out exactly what he thinks Jack Draper needs to turn himself into a threat on grass.
After all, there were great expectations placed on the Brit’s shoulders ahead of this year’s Wimbledon, where he had secured himself a spot as a top-four seed.
In the end, it was injury that prevented his progression, although he has since admitted that, of the three surfaces the ATP Tour offers, grass is likely his least favoured.
British fans will hope that he can change this around in the coming years, to give the home fans a new hero who can genuinely challenge for the Wimbledon title.
Henman, clearly keen to aid in that development, has offered his compatriot some advice.
Tim Henman offers Jack Draper Wimbledon advice
Speaking to Sky Sports, the pundit sought to review Jack Draper’s magnificent 2025 campaign by rating his performances across the various surfaces.
He came to the only natural conclusion, claiming: “Hard-courts are his best surface. We saw that at Indian Wells and the US Open.”
However, Henman also admitted he was wrong about where might be his second-favourite, adding: “You think, where’s he going to transition better to?
“You think it would be grass, but it was clay. The tennis he played in Madrid was incredible. Just going for it, playing so aggressively. He does have experience of playing on grass but it’s also his movement. He’s a big guy and he’s very physical.”
He concluded with some advice: “I think he just needs to learn the subtleties of grass. How to defend, how to move, which I’m sure will come. And being a lefty! The way that he’s improved his serve, the way he can use that one out wide in the ad box [left side] and perhaps serve and volley a little bit, it’s another attribute.”
Due to his phenomenal year, even if it was ravaged by injuries in the end, Draper has been nominated for a brand-new ATP award for 2025.
Grass is now Jack Draper’s worst surface
Whilst it might seem strange to say for a Brit, grass is almost certanly Draper’s worst surface.
However, that does not mean that he is bad on it by any stretch of the imagination.
It just means that he has made such monumental strides over the last year on the other two surfaces that the turf has been left somewhat in the dust.
Hard courts were always going to be his favourite, and his title at Indian Wells, just six months after reaching the semi-finals of the US Open, solidified that notion.
Who should win the ATP Breakthrough Player of the Year award?
However, his run to the Madrid Open final and the fourth round of Roland Garros shocked many.
Draper has even admitted that he is still learning on grass, stating in June: “I think people had this stigma that, because I’m a British tennis player, then I must be unbelievable on grass.
“I never play on grass, it’s difficult, but I’ve had wins against them (Alcaraz and Sinner) on this surface and I feel confident. It suits my weapons. I think I’m still learning how to be most effective on this surface.”
Hopefully, in the years to come, Draper can follow in Andy Murray’s footsteps to become a threat for the Wimbledon title once again.
