Former Grand Slam winner Juan Martín del Potro has publicly expressed confidence that Britain’s rising star Jack Draper possesses the talent to challenge the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but he cautioned that the young left‑hander must first regain full trust in his own body. Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion who retired in 2022 after a career marred by chronic wrist and knee problems, emphasized that consistency, fitness and mental resilience are the true hallmarks of a future Grand Slam contender. In a recent interview, the ex‑world No. 3 and Davis Cup hero explained that Draper’s game already contains many of the ingredients needed to succeed at the sport’s highest level.
"He has the tennis to play well," del Potro said, "but the body has to respond to the intensity of week‑in‑week‑out competition on the biggest stages." The Argentine legend drew on his own experience, recalling how injuries repeatedly interrupted his own progress and forced him to adapt his training, recovery and support structures. Draper, currently positioned at No. 28 in the ATP rankings, has already shown flashes of brilliance.
After a six‑month lay‑off caused by a bone‑stress injury in his left arm, he returned to the tour in February and promptly made a statement by beating Novak Djokovic during his Indian Wells title defence, a run that propelled him into the quarter‑finals. However, his momentum was halted at the Miami Open where he fell in straight sets to Reilly Opelka. Subsequent setbacks followed: a missed Monte‑Carlo Masters, a mid‑match retirement against Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open, and a withdrawal from the Mutua Madrid Open due to a knee issue. The British teenager has also been open about the psychological side of his battles.
He has spoken publicly about anxiety that sometimes manifests as nausea on court, and he has endured a series of physical ailments—including hip, knee and arm injuries—that have forced him to miss key tournaments. Despite these hurdles, Draper remains determined.
After his retirement in Barcelona, he posted a candid message on social media promising to "work my way out of this" and to return stronger. Del Potro highlighted that the path to elite status is rarely linear. "Injuries were the worst part of my career," he admitted, referencing his own long‑term struggles that began in his teens and persisted for over a decade. He explained that dealing with pain taught him the importance of a comprehensive support team: not just a coach, but also a dedicated physical trainer, physiotherapist, and mental‑performance specialist.
"When the bad moments come, the faster you can get out of it, the better," he added, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to athlete welfare. Looking ahead, Draper hopes to make a strong showing at the upcoming Madrid Open, exactly one year after his breakthrough run to the ATP Masters 1000 final on clay in 2023, where he fell to Casper Ruud in three sets. That performance proved he can adapt his aggressive baseline style to the slower red‑dirt surface, a skill that will be crucial in the European swing.
Del Potro believes British tennis is in capable hands, noting that the nation now boasts several promising talents, including No. 1 Cam Norrie, who recently reached the quarter‑finals at Indian Wells and the third round of the Australian Open, and Katie Boulter, who entered the Madrid draw after withdrawals by Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal. The Madrid Open itself will run for two weeks, with main‑draw action beginning on Tuesday, 21 April, and concluding with the men’s final on Sunday, 3 May. Day sessions start at 9 a.m., while night sessions kick off at 5:30 p.m.
An additional highlight this year is a temporary clay court installed at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, from 23‑30 April, giving players a unique practice environment that mimics the conditions at La Caja Mágica. For fans, the tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app, promising over 50 percent more live sport for subscribers at no extra charge. The coverage will include not only the marquee men’s and women’s singles finals but also a range of ATP and WTA matches, highlights and analysis.
In summary, del Potro’s endorsement of Draper is rooted in a realistic appraisal of the young Brit’s abilities and the obstacles he must overcome. While Draper’s talent is undeniable—his left‑handed serve, powerful forehand and tactical acumen already place him among the sport’s most exciting prospects—his long‑term success will hinge on staying injury‑free, building mental fortitude and surrounding himself with a multidisciplinary team that can respond swiftly to any setback. If he can achieve that equilibrium, del Potro believes he will not only compete with Sinner and Alcaraz but could also become a genuine contender for Grand Slam titles in the years to come.