Jack Draper has said he is ready to embrace his status as the new leader of British tennis as he prepares to begin his Wimbledon campaign. The 23-year-old, seeded fourth at the All England Club, will face Argentina's Sebastián Báez in the first round on Tuesday, a homecoming that follows a remarkable rise over the past year.
Draper, who once sought advice from Andy Murray and other leading British players, is now the reference point for the next generation. Several of his compatriots have already asked for his thoughts on their own careers. He said it was pleasing that people reached out, adding that those within British tennis recognised the work he had put in and the adversity he had overcome with injuries.
One example of his influence came when Hannah Klugman, one of Britain's most promising youngsters, arranged a lunch with him through her coach. Klugman, who reached the French Open girls' final this month, is set to make her grand slam debut on Monday against Leylah Fernandez after receiving a wildcard. Draper said his message to her was that everyone is on their own journey, and that even top players do not necessarily have everything figured out.
He also told her not to be afraid of the doubts and struggles that come with professional tennis. “In a sport like tennis, people think it's easy,” he said. “You go out there, win, you feel great, but the challenge is there every day to perform and to be better.”
Draper has been handed a demanding draw but is determined to show the British public what he can do on court. Meanwhile, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will open proceedings on Centre Court on Monday against Fabio Fognini, with Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Raducanu also in action on the first day.
