Jack Draper Shines at U.S. Open, Poised for Glory Amidst Rising Expectations

NEW YORK — Jack Draper, Britain's emerging tennis star, has found a sense of calm at the U.S. Open, distancing himself from the controversy that enveloped his previous tournament in Cincinnati. Last week, Draper faced scrutiny after a contentious finish against Felix Auger-Aliassime, but now he seems to be channeling that pressure into strong performances on the court. Entering the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the second consecutive year, Draper has yet to drop a set, demonstrating impressive form with a total court time of less than six hours. His latest victory came against Botic van de Zandschulp, who recently eliminated the reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz. Draper dispatched the Dutch player in just over two hours, winning with scores of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, showcasing his powerful serve and aggressive style reminiscent of former American star Andy Roddick. Fans are quickly taking notice. Draper, at 6 feet 4 inches, has captured the hearts of younger audiences at the Grandstand court, where his on-court energy and charisma have drawn significant admiration. While he balances a part-time modeling career—appearing in major fashion publications such as Vogue—he remains grounded, embracing his role as a rising star without letting it weigh heavily on him. As the British No. 1, Draper's trajectory shifted dramatically following the retirement of his friend and mentor, Andy Murray. With the torch now passed, Draper acknowledges the weight of expectations that come with the role. "I feel a responsibility to really play good tennis," he admitted before the tournament, but so far, he has risen to the challenge. The path to this moment has not been straightforward. Last year, Draper was defeated in the fourth round by Andrey Rublev, but since then, he has worked to refine his game and improve his physical fitness, which had previously been hindered by injuries. A significant change came in April when he added former world No. 6 Wayne Ferreira to his coaching team, which led to a breakthrough ATP title in Stuttgart and a stunning victory over Alcaraz in June. However, just before the U.S. Open, he parted ways with Ferreira, choosing to rely on his long-time coach, James Trotman. Draper's journey has also included a challenging personal narrative; he faced a backlash in Cincinnati after a match point incident that some viewed as a breach of sportsmanship. "To see that stuff... questioning your integrity... it's obviously difficult," he reflected. Yet he is committed to learning from the experience and evolving both on and off the court. His close acquaintances, including British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, emphasize that Draper's humility and kindness set him apart from many athletes. With expectations high, Draper is poised at a crucial juncture in his career, especially as he prepares to face world No. 39 Tomas Machac. A victory in this match would see him advance to a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time—a feat only achieved by a handful of British men since the Open Era began. Draper’s past experiences, including a strong junior career and his debut against Djokovic, have cultivated a resilience that he is now channeling into confidence on the court. Reflecting on his growth, Draper said, "I want to play like a guy who's 6ft 4in... I want to be an aggressive baseliner." This mindset has reportedly transformed his approach, allowing him to play with more freedom and assertiveness. Encouraged by his progress and a newfound belief in his abilities, he is ready to tackle each match with the determination to prove himself as a serious contender. The absence of Murray—a figure who has long been the face of British tennis—has left an undeniable gap, but Draper embraces the challenge of stepping into that role. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for Murray's mentorship while also acknowledging the shift in dynamics. "It feels a bit weird not having Andy there," he joked, yet he is resolute in his ambition to carve his own legacy in the sport. As Draper continues his U.S. Open campaign, the tennis world watches closely. He represents not only the resurgence of British tennis but also the hope of a new generation poised to take the reins. If he maintains his current trajectory, there's no telling how far he can go in this tournament and beyond.