Del Potro Backs Draper to Compete with Sinner and Alcaraz

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 notes that Draper needs to gain 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, emphasized the importance of consistency, fitness, and managing expectations for Draper's future in the sport. Draper, who recently returned to competition after a six-month injury layoff, has shown promise with a win over Novak Djokovic and a run to the quarterfinals in his Indian Wells title defense. However, he has also faced challenges with anxiety and injuries, including a recent knee issue that forced him to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open. Del Potro, speaking as part of the Roland-Garros Junior Series Brazil tournament, shared his own experiences with injuries and the need for a strong support team to overcome them. He expressed optimism about the future of British tennis, citing Draper's talent and the potential for him to make a strong impact on the sport.