Jack Draper on the US Open, injury return & challenging Sinner & Alcaraz

Draper’s run to the final four last year truly catapulted his status as one of the top players in the game right now. His wins over the likes of Botic van de Zandschulp, Tomas Mahac, and Alex de Minaur showed that he had the game and mentality to go deep in the major championships and challenge for the biggest titles.

Reflecting on last year’s performances, despite the semi-final exit to world No.1 and eventual champion Jannik Sinner, Draper sees that run as the catalyst for what has so far been his most successful season on tour.

“Last year’s US Open was amazing – I reflect on it with really positive memories. It gave me so much confidence and set me up for what was to come for the rest of the year and also the start of this year.

“Pushing through five best-of-five set matches, against the best players in the world on the biggest stages – that just gives me so much belief. It was a big moment for me and probably one of the biggest in my career so far.

“For me, the atmosphere is the best at the US Open. I love the crowd dynamic, the rowdiness, and I just really enjoy the surroundings and what it brings. It’s a lively, energetic crowd, and that gets the best out of me for sure.”

Standing in his way last year and likely again this time around will be current US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon title-holder Sinner, alongside Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the men’s game over the last two years, lifting the last seven major titles between them and showing little sign of stopping. They have faced each other in the two most recent Grand Slams finals and are staking their claim at the summit of the sport.

Now it’s up to the rest of the field to raise their game to overthrow Sinner and Alcaraz – and Draper is very much leading that charge. The Brit has defeated both players in the past and believes he has what it takes to join them at the top.

“Jannik and Carlos are the best two players in the world right now,” Draper said. “They are playing tennis, which is very exciting to watch; it’s electric.

“There are no holes in their game; they are so consistent and powerful. Mentally, they are both very experienced now on the big stages, and they are both complete players. Saying that, they can still improve, so it’s really exciting to be around them.

“They are leading the way, but there are players like me who are hungry to go beyond their level and will do anything to get to where they are playing. I’m looking forward to many more matchups with them to come.”

While the US Open is the last Grand Slam of the year, it’s certainly not the final big trophy up for grabs over the coming months.

In November, the season will close out with the Nitto ATP Finals – bringing together the top eight singles players and doubles teams from the year to crown the final champions of 2025.

Currently, Draper is ranked No.7 in the Race to Turin, and a good showing at the US Open could book his place at the Finals for the first time in his career – a significant milestone as a reward for his impressive results this year.

“The ATP Finals is definitely something I’ve got my eyes on,” he admitted. “At the start of the year, it was one of my goals because if you make the Finals, you’ve had a very consistent season, and that was my biggest thing going into this season to maintain.

“Obviously, I’ve picked up an injury and missed a few tournaments, but like always, I’m going to give it my best. My preparation has been great, I keep on improving, and if I make it, great, but if I don’t, life moves on, and I’ll keep striving to be better.”

Main draw action at the US Open starts from Sunday 24 August. You can watch live on Sky Sports Tennis and NOW TV. Read our full US Open preview.

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