Del Potro Backs Draper to Compete with Tennis Elite, but Stresses Importance of 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 emphasizes that Draper needs to 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, understands the importance of physical resilience in tennis. Draper, who has been tipped as a future Grand Slam contender, has faced his own set of challenges, including a bone stress injury in his left arm and anxiety issues on court. Despite these setbacks, Del Potro is optimistic about Draper's prospects, citing his talent and the advantage of being a left-handed player. However, Del Potro also stresses that Draper needs to work on his consistency, fitness, and ability to handle expectations on the biggest stages. The British player will be looking to return to form at the Madrid Open, where he reached the final last year, and Del Potro believes that with the right support team, including a physical trainer, physio, and mental coach, Draper can overcome his challenges and achieve his goals.