Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has backed British ace Jack Draper to be “within the dialog” for all 4 Grand Slams in 2025.
Draper fell quick in his quest for a fairy-tale of New York as his US Open dream ended in an agonising semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner on Friday.
The 22-year-old hoped to change into the primary British man to succeed in a Grand Slam last since Andy Murray in 2016 however he discovered the Italian world No 1 too good.
Draper opened up about his nervousness describing himself as ‘fairly an anxious human being’
The Briton hopes the expertise will assist him sooner or later and tennis nice Navratilova has weighed into the dialog by telling Sky Sports activities Tennis he will probably be firmly within the combine for all 4 main titles subsequent 12 months.
“I bear in mind enjoying the primary time in opposition to Chris [Evert] and Margaret Court docket, every part was hit slightly bit tougher, slightly bit deeper, slightly bit nearer to the sideline,” mentioned the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion.
“I needed to run extra. The drop pictures had been shorter. Every little thing was higher.
“It is cumulative, on this court docket when it is so bodily. However it simply caught up with him [Draper].
“Subsequent 12 months, if he stays wholesome, Jack will probably be within the dialog in each main. That is a extremely massive plus.
“If he retains enjoying like this. The Sky is the restrict.”
Draper expressed his optimism regardless of his semi-final exit to Sinner
Draper was additionally hamstrung by nervousness and nerves which noticed him vomit a number of occasions on court docket in the course of the match.
“It was tough he could not compete at his high bodily degree, due to every part happening in his abdomen and his mind,” mentioned Navratilova.
“However he nonetheless saved it collectively, and he was in there. Jack gave it completely his all, after which some.
“He seems so calm when he is enjoying. He is been unbelievably calm. Speaking to us, he is so relaxed.
“The nervousness, he is obtained to let that out in some way, because it’s perhaps consuming him up and attending to him. One thing has to offer right here, however we do not see it when he is enjoying. He internalises it that a lot.”
Draper took to social media on Saturday to specific his emotions, saying he’s “very proud” of the progress he’s making underneath the steerage of coach James Trotman.
“I gave it every part I had yesterday nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient,” he mentioned. “I am very happy with the progress I am making with my workforce and I’ve nonetheless obtained a lot to enhance and be taught… that motivates me a lot ! Congrats to a very good good friend Jannik Sinner in for all you might be reaching and good luck for the ultimate!
“Additionally wish to thank everybody for the assist and messages I’ve obtained it means lots to me. All the time transferring ahead.”
Highlights of the US Open semi-final between Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner
Tim Henman sits right down to reply a few of your burning tennis questions!
What’s developing on Sky Sports activities Tennis in September?
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (9-15 September)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (16 -22 September – with Emma Raducanu in motion)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (16 -22 September)
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and will probably be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this 12 months at no additional price. Discover out extra right here.
