Jack Draper’s Wimbledon journey did not go quite to plan, as he exited the tournament in the second round.
Tennis fans had high hopes for the 23-year-old, who has burst onto the scene in the last 12 months and risen to as high as number four in the world.
Despite being overtaken by Taylor Fritz in the rankings, the Brit has shown signs that he can compete with the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Draper reached the semi-finals of the 2024 US Open and won his first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells. However, a four-set loss to former US Open champion Marin Cilic in the Wimbledon second round dampened expectations somewhat.
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman has weighed in on Draper’s Wimbledon campaign and his future prospects in the sport.
Tim Henman is certain Jack Draper will be a better player in 12 months
Speaking to Sky Sports, Henman made a prediction about Jack Draper’s future on the ATP Tour.
Henman said: “Jack has made unbelievable strides this year and has been top five in the world.
“He didn’t have the best Wimbledon but I think that’s a steep learning curve to be playing at home.
“He’s played so well on clay and hard courts and I think he needs to adapt his game a little bit on grass.
“The reality is you don’t get long to play on grass. There’s only the three weeks between the French and Wimbledon and then Wimbledon itself.
“But he’s got a great team around him. He will have taken many learnings away from the championships this year and I’m sure in 12 months’ time he’ll be a better player and better prepared.”
How will Jack Draper fare at the US Open?
The US Open provides a unique opportunity for Jack Draper to shine.
The 23-year-old announced himself to the world at last year’s tournament, beating the likes of Alex de Minaur and Tomas Machac on his way to the semi-finals stage.
Unfortunately for Draper, he ran into a rampant Jannik Sinner, who eventually claimed his first US Open title.
Despite a disappointing Wimbledon campaign, Draper is a major threat at this year’s US Open. Hard courts are clearly his best surface, having won Indian Wells and reached the final of the Madrid Open in 2025.
However, it remains to be seen whether Draper can beat Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz on the Grand Slam stage. Draper has lost to each player once in Grand Slams; to Sinner at the 2024 US Open and to Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open.
The Brit has a point to prove at the US Open, which will run from August 24 to September 7.
