Jack Draper’s final Wimbledon tune-up felt like something out of Saltburn

It is rare indeed to be waiting to interview an elite athlete with the mewling of a peacock in the background but this is Fulham’s Hurlingham Club. I know people who have been on the waiting list to become a member for more than 20 years. It is the epitome of aspirational. Men in expensive trousers scoffed on their phones about croquet and, intriguingly, about a car masquerading as a Maserati.

It was also the backdrop for Jack Draper’s last match before he learnt what the Wimbledon draw had in store for him as he took on, and defeated, Holger Rune, the Danish world No8, 4-6, 6-3, 10-4.

This was not an exhibition match full of humour or panache. It bore the hallmarks of a serious workout, one in which both competitors are trying out new ideas or states of mind. Rune was the more relaxed and took the first set with a languid ace but then Draper began motoring in earnest, his serving improved and he took the second set and the ensuing tie-break at near breakneck speed.

This is a new Draper. He will be the No4 seed at Wimbledon which turns him, in one fell swoop, from a plucky Brit to one who will be seen by many as highly likely to win the championships. This requires some navigation from Draper and his team. They have to harness the electricity and the bias but find a way for it not to be emotionally overwhelming.

He described himself as “full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I’m going to be playing on the courts that I wanted to play on since I was young, watching [Andy] Murray, watching all these great players perform out there and it feels amazing to know that. It’s sinking in that I’m there now and so I’ve got the chance to show people what I can do and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do”.

Advertisement

Draper’s grass-court preparation had been hampered by a bout of tonsillitis that meant he bowed out at the semi-final stage of Queen’s but he says he is fully recovered now.

The Hurlingham Club was as chilled during Draper’s match as the All England Club will be near hysterical CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES

“Got my energy back, that’s for sure. Sometimes you don’t realise, I guess, how bad you were at the time. Definitely the past couple of days got my energy back. I am training much better. I feel fitter. I feel good and over that for sure.”

He certainly exuded energy and determination as he headed out, past the vast manicured lawns and huge conservatories.

If you thought the scenes in Saltburn spoke to affluence, think again. This is another level of luxury, officially called, for this week, the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, and it is in its 31st edition.

Guests are treated to complimentary Whispering Angel rosé (although this does not encourage them to whisper while courtside) and cocktails from the comfort of a reserved grandstand seat which costs £222. You can pay more for padded chairs and even more to scoff the food prepared by Paul Ainsworth, a Michelin-starred chef.

Advertisement

Rune took the first set before Draper came back strongly CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES

It is billed as London’s most exclusive garden party and this is not hyperbole.

Speaking after his win here on Wednesday, Karen Khachanov, the Russian world No19, said: “Maybe I should get a membership here, I don’t know! It’s an extremely beautiful court.”

There will be words if he gets in ahead of my very patient acquaintances. It only costs about £1,500 a year in basic fees but that is not the point. Being allowed in is priceless.

This could have been a cunning way for Draper to acclimatise a few days before the start of Wimbledon but, honestly, he could have stolen a spectator’s sunglasses and chomped on strawberries mid-rally and no one would have become too excited. This was as chilled as the All England Club will be near hysterical. I have seen a marked increase in the number of 20-something men with floppy hair wearing their baseball cap backwards while trying to appear sun-kissed and successful, so goodness knows what trends will unfold should Draper actually win in SW19.

“Whoever I play against I have the utmost respect for; they’re in the draw for a reason,” he said. “They’re going to be dangerous, they’re going to want to come out and swing against a guy who’s a home player and who’s highly ranked, and they’ve got nothing to lose. So I know whoever I play in the first round is gonna be an incredibly tough match but I’ll be ready for that. Like I said, I respect everyone. I know everyone can play great, but so can I. So I take that into my matches.”

Advertisement

How he handles the pressure is a significant part of the equation and maybe this event helped place his career in perspective. He is popular but not yet actually significant enough to make posh people squeal. The loudest squawk came, inevitably, from the peacock.

Click here to read article