First Paris win tops the list for confident Draper

Jack Draper credits a few peaceful days at home after more than a month on the road with helping him prepare to win his first career match at Roland Garros

The fifth-ranked British No. 1 has gone down in the first round in Paris at the last two editions – but the 23-year-old comes to the clay capital with an entirely refreshed outlook and ready to do some damage.

“I don’t really take into account the fact that I haven’t won a match here,” Draper said during Friday’s tuneup for the Sunday start.

“The day before the tournament (2023) I ruptured my muscle in my shoulder. I came out and couldn’t serve. My first round I had to pull out in the first set.

“Last year I was going through changes, trying to be a completely different player from what I knew. 

“When I’ve played here in the past, I don’t feel like I’ve entered the court with any confidence or any belief that I could do pretty well.”

But it’s a new Draper at this edition in Paris.

“I’m looking forward to coming feeling confident. I just take every match that comes. That’s always my mentality. 

“I’m never looking ahead too far. I’m going to work hard for each point and see how it goes 

“But the way I’m playing, the fact I’ve really improved a lot recently and my ranking is going up and I feel confident, There’s a good chance I can

do really well. I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

Main photo:- Jack Draper by International Sports Fotos Ltd