Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Jack Draper is through to his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open.
By Yasmin Syed
Jack Draper revealed that he almost stopped playing tennis (Image: Sky Sports)
Jack Draper dropped a bombshell after reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open, revealing that he almost “stopped” playing tennis while dogged with injuries.
The 25th seed produced a statement performance to beat Tomas Machac 6-3 6-1 6-2 on Louis Armstrong Stadium and became the first British man to reach the quarters in Flushing Meadows since Andy Murray in 2016.
He fittingly gave Murray a shoutout during his post-match interview, admitting that he missed the retired star’s “stinky” shoes and clothes.
Related articles
- Draper invites 'special guest' into US Open box as Brit bids to break new ground
- Jack Draper into US Open quarter-final after making statement to follow Murray
A month after Murray officially ended his career at the Olympics, a new British man has stepped up as his heir. Draper continued his breakthrough season by breaking new ground at a Slam.
Having lost at the same stage in last year’s US Open, he stormed past Machac in the fourth round on Monday and was asked whether he still received text messages from Murray. “I obviously miss Andy. Shoutout to Andy,” the 22-year-old told the crowd.
“What an incredible career the guy has had. You know, just an icon of the game. I miss him in the changing rooms, I miss being next to his stinky shoes and all his stinky clothes. But Andy’s a legend and if I have half the career he’s had then I’ll be a happy man.”
It hasn’t been easy for the world No. 25 to get to this point. This is the first full season that he has played on tour without getting injured. 12 months ago, he came to the US Open ranked outside of the world’s top 120 after missing the grass swing with a shoulder problem.
Just in Gauff ready to copy rival with behind the scenes hire after US Open heartache
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Jack Draper is through to his first Grand Slam quarter-final (Image: Getty)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Appearing on Sky Sports moments after walking off the court, Draper revealed that he almost quit the sport altogether. He said: “I think I’ve been through a lot the last few years with injuries and, you know, there was times when I was maybe gonna stop playing tennis and all this sort of stuff.
“And I remember those moments all the time and those moments make the new experiences easier for me and I feel very confident in myself, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of and also as I said, I’ve got amazing people around me to support me and show me the way.”
Turning to Tim Henman, who was court-side for his match, he added: “And ex-players who are supporting from the side of the court which helps!”
Don't miss...
US Open star details unusual career contract after sending Coco Gauff packing [QUOTES]
First openly gay tennis players made history in US Open matchup [FLASHBACK]
Gauff coach forced to sit through brutal verdict of her game after US Open loss [REACTION]
Jack Draper went into detail on his controversial Central Park outfit (Image: Instagram @jackdraper)
READ MORE
- Jack Draper offers 'ridiculous' Murray verdict as Brit eyes record at US Open
The 22-year-old also hit back at Laura Robson’s comments about his latest off-court outfit. During his day off on Sunday, Draper shared some snaps from an outing in Central Park where he donned a backwards cap, an oversized, red Scarface t-shirt and baggy Nike shorts.
“You know what, some people don’t understand. If you actually look closely at that picture you’ll see some things that you might have missed. You might have missed the Rafa Nadal 2006 Nike shorts that he wore here in New York. You’ve obviously got Scarface, right? Then you’ve got Angels hat and the Mac Attack shoes. And the Jordan bag,” he laughed.
“It’s all iconic, Tim. We’re not all going to play golf over here!” After learning that it was Robson who criticised his look, not Henman, he replied: “That’s the thing about fashion, people will tell you that. You either like it or you don’t.”
Related articles
- Coco Gauff suffers double blow after US Open exit to Emma Navarro
- US Open stars face 'Nick Kyrgios rule' and are hit with fines if they break it
Jack Draper Andy Murray US Open
IPSO Regulated Copyright ©2024 Express Newspapers. "Daily Express" is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
