Chris Evert admits she’s been really ‘surprised’ by what she’s seen from Jack Draper at the French Open

Jack Draper is leading the way for the Brits in Paris, as the highest-ranked of them all and thus their greatest hope of an unlikely Roland Garros title this year.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed by far his best-ever clay-court season, reaching the final in Madrid and performing admirably in Rome too.

So, he should head to the French capital brimming with optimism.

Praise from the likes of Chris Evert certainly won’t harm his confidence either.

Chris Evert left shocked by Jack Draper’s French Open performance

Speaking live on TNT Sport immediately after Jack Draper’s impressive comeback win, Evert was full of praise for the Brit.

And with good reason, as he had just claimed his first-ever win at the French Open despite this being his third time at the event.

In fact, his level actually left the American somewhat shocked, as she claimed: ‘I’m surprised that he’s playing this well on the clay. He hasn’t been known to be a clay-court player, he hasn’t been known to be consistent like an adult.

‘He seems to have a more professional approach to the game. He seems to be more disciplined.

‘He’s awfully fit. He looks fitter than I’ve seen before. That is really translating into his tennis as far as his movement and his agility and even his power.’

Then going on to discuss that newfound physicality in greater depth, the American continued: ‘When you’re really fit and you’re in the gym and you’re lifting weights and you just feel so good about yourself physically, it translates to the mental side of the game. 

‘He is becoming stronger mentally, emotionally and physically as a tennis player, and it’s really great to see this jump that he’s made.

Jack Draper’s last five tournaments

‘We’ve seen the big serve, we’ve seen the big forehand but, again, it’s the attitude. He’s number five in the world and he seems to have that belief right now that he belongs at the top.’

The world number five now faces a Frenchman in round two, and Tim Henman has told Draper exactly how to trouble Gael Monfils despite the fact that the crowd will be vehemently against him. 

Jack Draper’s is transformed physically

Although Draper has always been a tall, powerful individual, it is only recently that we have seen him blend that unique strength with stamina.

After all, for so long he seemed a genuine threat in every match he started, but frustratingly fizzled out before injuries, illness and retirements halted any progress.

His transformation has been immeasurable, but what can be analysed is the increase in his performance level.

2021 saw the first signs of this, as he collapsed on-court due to a heat-related illness. 2022 then saw him retire at one set all during his fourth round US Open tie with Karen Khachanov.

2023 was particularly tough in this regard, ending his Indian Wells match with Carlos Alcaraz early, missing the Miami Open, and then skipping the entire grass-court season after another injury picked up at the French Open.

And whilst there have still been retirements in 2025, his ability to maintain his impressively high level now across both gruelling three and five-set matches is a testament to the hard work he has put in.

Draper has transformed himself into a sturdy, reliable player, and is now reaping the rewards.