With Andy Murray Retiring All Eyes in Britain Now on 23-Year-Old Jack Draper to Lead the Charge

Jack Draper’s Breakthrough 2024: A Rising Star in British Tennis

Jack Draper, the 23-year-old left-handed tennis player from Britain, has firmly established himself as one of the most promising stars on the ATP tour. Ending 2024 ranked at world No. 15, Draper’s rise has been nothing short of impressive, with multiple milestones that solidify his place among the top contenders in men’s tennis.

2024 was a pivotal year for Draper. For the first time in his career, he finished the year as a Top 15 player, a remarkable feat that reflects his growth and consistency. The year also marked a major shift in his career, as he focused exclusively on the ATP tour, skipping ATP Challenger events for the first time. His decision to compete full-time at the tour level paid off, as he enjoyed a series of career-firsts, including a Grand Slam semifinal run at the US Open, where he made it to the final four, showcasing his potential on the biggest stage.

Perhaps most notable in 2024 was Jack Draper’s victory at the ATP 500 tournament in Vienna, where he claimed his first-ever ATP 500 title by defeating Karen Khachanov in the final. “There were so many great players in the draw, to win my first ATP 500 title feels incredible,” Draper said after his win in October. His two ATP singles titles—one at the 250 level and another at 500—were a testament to his growing confidence and skill at the highest levels of the sport.

Behind Draper’s success is a dedicated and strategic approach, led by his coach, James Trotman. “Anybody who has watched Jack consistently will see glimpses of unbelievable tennis,” Trotman said. “He’s adding layers to his game, being brave in the right moments, and making sure he takes every opportunity that comes his way.” Draper’s ability to adapt and continuously improve has been one of the hallmarks of his game, as he works toward becoming a future contender for major titles.

While Draper has made incredible strides, the journey has not been without challenges. Like many top players, Draper has faced his share of injuries, and his 2024 season was no exception. He had to withdraw from both the United Cup and Davis Cup at the start of 2025 due to a hip injury, hoping to be fit in time for the Australian Open. Despite these setbacks, Draper remains positive, confident that his best tennis is still ahead of him. “This is my first proper year, because of all my injuries and setbacks, so I’m a few years behind almost,” Draper said, reflecting on his past challenges. “But I think I’m mentally a lot better, and I just need to keep learning and growing.”

Beyond tennis, Draper is also making waves off the court, embracing a growing interest in fashion. Known for his appearances at events like the Burberry Summer show, Draper is beginning to carve out a niche for himself in the fashion world, much like fellow tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. His off-court persona adds to his appeal, endearing him to fans and creating a well-rounded image.

Looking forward to 2025, Draper’s career trajectory is on the rise, with expectations that he will continue to challenge the world’s best players. At 23 years old, he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential, and with his resilience and talent, Jack Draper is set to be a force in the years to come.