Del Potro Backs Draper to Compete with Tennis Elite, but Only if His Body Cooperates

Juan Martin del Potro, a former Grand Slam champion, believes Jack Draper has the potential to compete with top tennis players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but notes that Draper needs to have faith in his physical abilities. Draper, a rising star in British tennis, has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, which del Potro understands from his own experiences with wrist and knee injuries throughout his career. Despite these challenges, del Potro thinks Draper has the talent to succeed, but must develop the physical and mental resilience to handle the demands of professional tennis. Del Potro, who won the 2009 US Open, emphasizes the importance of building a strong support team, including a physical trainer, physio, and mental coach, to help athletes navigate the inevitable injuries and setbacks that come with the sport. As Draper prepares to compete in the Mutua Madrid Open, del Potro's words serve as a reminder that success in tennis requires a delicate balance of physical and mental well-being.