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. Del Potro, who struggled with injuries throughout his career, including wrist and knee problems, before retiring in 2022, notes that consistency, fitness, and managing expectations are crucial for Draper's success.
Draper, who has been dealing with a bone stress injury in his left arm and recently retired from a match due to a knee injury, is working to regain his form. Del Potro advises that injuries are an inherent part of the sport and that having a strong support team, including a physical trainer, physio, and mental coach, is essential for overcoming setbacks. He also emphasizes the importance of swiftly recovering from injuries to minimize their impact on a player's career.
As the tennis world looks to the Madrid Open, Draper will aim to return to the court, where he has shown promise, including a run to the final last year. Del Potro's insights come as part of his involvement with the Roland-Garros Junior Series Brazil tournament, where he shared his experiences and the lessons he learned from his own career, including the need for a well-rounded team to support a player's physical and mental health.