Del Potro backs Draper to compete with tennis elite, but emphasizes need for physical resilience

Juan Martin del Potro, a former Grand Slam winner, believes Jack Draper has the potential to rival top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but notes that Draper must develop confidence in his body to achieve success. Del Potro, who struggled with injuries throughout his career, including wrist and knee problems, before retiring in 2022, advises that consistency, fitness, and managing expectations are crucial for Draper's journey to becoming a Grand Slam contender. Draper, who recently returned to competition after a six-month absence due to a bone stress injury in his left arm, has shown promising results, including a quarter-final run in Indian Wells, where he defeated Novak Djokovic. However, he suffered a mid-match retirement at the Barcelona Open and is now scheduled to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open. Del Potro emphasizes the importance of having a solid support team, including a physical trainer, physio, and mental coach, to navigate the challenges of professional tennis. Meanwhile, British No 1 Cam Norrie has enjoyed strong results this year, and Emma Raducanu is set to return from illness at the WTA 1000 event in Madrid, while Katie Boulter completes the main draw entry list for the Brits.