British number one Jack Draper has come a long way in his tennis career, transforming from a player who joked about being a Ferrari that broke down easily to a resilient athlete capable of enduring grueling matches. Draper's recent performance at Queen's Club is a testament to his improved strength and fitness, as he overcame a tough match against Alexei Popyrin to advance to the quarter-finals.

The Transformation Journey

Draper, 23, admitted that in the past, his body couldn't keep up with the demands of high-level tennis. "I felt like I looked like a bit of a Ferrari but I was a bit of a Toyota, like broke down quite easily," he said. However, a dedicated focus on his physical conditioning has made a significant difference. "Now I'm starting to feel generally stronger and confident in myself," he added.

Key Moments in 2024

One of the turning points for Draper was his performance at the Australian Open, where he won three consecutive five-set matches. Although he had to retire in the fourth round against Carlos Alcaraz, the experience of going the distance in those matches was crucial. "Those matches at the start of the year in Australia really helped me to get over that hurdle," Draper explained.

Wimbledon Aspirations

With Wimbledon approaching, Draper is determined to peak at the right time. He aims to improve his seeding by performing well at Queen's, which would help him avoid top players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the early rounds. "My goal is to peak at Wimbledon," he said. *"I'm going to give myself a chance each day to get better."

The Road Ahead

Draper's journey is far from over. He continues to work hard both on and off the court, striving to reach his full potential. As he prepares for Wimbledon, the British tennis community is hopeful that Draper can deliver a strong performance on home soil.

Conclusion

Jack Draper's transformation from a fragile athlete to a resilient contender is inspiring. With his improved fitness and determination, he is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.