Del Potro Backs Draper to Compete with Tennis Elite, but Emphasizes Need for Physical Resilience

Juan Martin del Potro, a former Grand Slam champion, believes Jack Draper has the potential to compete with top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but stresses that Draper needs to build confidence in his body to achieve success. Del Potro, who struggled with injuries throughout his career, including wrist and knee problems, thinks Draper's journey to becoming a Grand Slam contender is about finding consistency, staying fit, and managing expectations on the biggest stages. Draper, currently ranked 28th, has shown promise with an impressive run to the quarter-finals in his Indian Wells title defence, where he defeated Novak Djokovic, but then suffered a straight-set loss to Reilly Opelka at the Miami Open. After retiring mid-match at the Barcelona Open due to injury, Draper is scheduled to play at the Mutua Madrid Open. Del Potro, who lost to Andy Murray in the 2016 Olympic men's singles final, notes that as a left-handed player, Draper has an advantage, but his body has been the biggest obstacle in his career, a challenge Del Potro is familiar with. Draper has also faced anxiety issues and injuries to his hip, knee, and arm, but Del Potro believes British tennis is in good hands with him. Del Potro reflects on his own career, where injuries were the worst part, but he preferred competing against 'The Big Three' - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong team, including a physical trainer, physio, and mental coach, to overcome injuries and bad moments quickly. The Madrid Open, where Draper and other British players like Cam Norrie and Emma Raducanu are scheduled to compete, will be a significant test for Draper's resilience and skill.