Jack Draper’s Shocking Take: “Tennis is a Sport for Losers”

“Tennis is a sport where losing is inevitable; we can’t win every week, so we must constantly learn and adapt to the challenges we face.” This is the stark and honest reflection from Jack Draper during the Davis Cup media day. The British player has faced a challenging period, primarily due to various injuries, but over the past year, he has finally broken through, reaching the Top-20 in the ATP rankings and the semifinals of the US Open. Although Jannik Sinner ended his run in New York, Draper, in top form, will represent Great Britain in Manchester for the Davis Cup rounds.

In the past, Draper played a secondary role in the Davis Cup, but this year, he enters the competition as Britain’s No. 1 player.

“I feel good in this new role,” Draper said. “Last year, playing alongside Murray and Norrie was a great experience, and competing in front of a packed Manchester crowd is extraordinary. We have a solid team, and even with rotation, we remain competitive. We hope to do a great job. It’s hard to express what the Davis Cup means. It’s an event that’s difficult to fully grasp until you play in it, but it’s incredibly prestigious and an honor to represent your country.

This year, I’ve had less time to rest compared to previous years, but that’s something everyone deals with, and it’s not something I dwell on, especially when I’m playing at home. After the US Open, I’m feeling great. Reaching the semifinals of a Slam is a huge achievement and proves that my hard work is paying off. Of course, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Now, I’m focused on performing well here before heading to Asia. Ultimately, I want to be able to look back and feel proud of what I’ve accomplished,” Draper concluded.