Former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro has publicly voiced his belief that Britain’s rising star Jack Draper possesses the talent to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, del Potro cautioned that Draper must first regain full confidence in his physical health before he can consistently challenge the sport’s elite.
Del Potro, who lifted the 2009 US Open trophy and spent three years inside the top three of the ATP rankings, knows all too well the toll that chronic injuries can take on a career. Throughout his own tenure he battled recurring wrist and knee problems that eventually forced him to retire in 2022. His perspective, therefore, carries particular weight when he discusses the importance of durability and mental resilience for a young player aiming for Grand Slam success.
Draper, now 24, has been earmarked as a future Grand Slam contender ever since he broke through on the ATP Tour. Yet, according to del Potro, the real test for the left‑handed Briton lies not only in raw skill but in his ability to maintain a high level of fitness, manage the mounting expectations that come with early success, and, crucially, trust that his body will respond when the stakes are highest.
The British player’s recent season has been a roller‑coaster of highs and setbacks. After a six‑month hiatus caused by a bone‑stress injury in his left forearm, Draper returned to competition in February and quickly reminded the tennis world of his potential. He produced a stunning upset over Novak Djokovic during his title defence at Indian Wells, propelling himself into the quarter‑finals and earning widespread admiration for his composure against the former world No. 1.
That momentum, however, was halted at the Miami Open where Draper fell in straight sets to Reilly Opelka. The loss was followed by an absence from the Monte‑Carlo Masters and a mid‑match retirement against Tomas Martín Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open. The 24‑year‑old subsequently withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open after aggravating a knee issue, underscoring the fragility of his physical condition. In a candid social‑media post after the Barcelona retirement, Draper vowed, "I will work my way out of this," signalling his determination to overcome the setbacks.
Del Potro echoed this sentiment, noting that while Draper has the technical tools – a powerful left‑handed serve, solid baseline strokes, and an aggressive court presence – the body must be able to endure the rigors of back‑to‑back tournaments and the intensity of five‑set battles. "As a lefty, he already enjoys a natural advantage over many opponents," del Potro explained, recalling his own experience of losing a thrilling Olympic final to Andy Murray in 2016. "But sometimes the body becomes the biggest obstacle in a player's career, as it did for me. Draper needs to rebuild trust in his own physical capabilities." Beyond the physical ailments, Draper has also been open about battling anxiety on court, which has manifested as bouts of nausea and general unease during matches.
These mental health challenges, combined with injuries to his hip, knee and arm, have forced him to adopt a more holistic approach to preparation. Del Potro emphasized that modern tennis demands a comprehensive support team: a dedicated coach, a physical trainer, a physiotherapist, and a mental‑health professional. "Injuries are part of the sport," he said, "but the faster you can recover and the stronger your support network, the better you can bounce back." Looking ahead, Draper hopes to return to the Madrid Open, a tournament that holds special significance for him.
A year ago, he reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final on clay, falling to Casper Ruud in three tightly contested sets. That performance demonstrated his ability to adapt to the slower red dirt and to compete against the very best on a surface that often demands superior stamina and strategic patience.
Del Potro, who is currently serving as an ambassador for the Roland‑Garros Junior Series in Brazil, reflected on his own career’s injury‑laden chapters. Nicknamed "The Tower of Tandil," he remarked, "I spent many years coping with injuries, yet I still chose to play against the Big Three – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – every day. It taught me that you must surround yourself with the right people and accept that setbacks are inevitable." British tennis, meanwhile, continues to produce promising talent.
No. 1 Cam Norrie has posted solid results this year, including a quarter‑final appearance at Indian Wells and a respectable run to the third round of the Australian Open. On the women’s side, Katie Boulter entered the main draw of the Madrid Open after higher‑ranked compatriots Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal withdrew due to illness and injury, respectively.
The Madrid Open itself is set to unfold over two weeks, with the main draw kicking off on Tuesday, April 21. The tournament will feature both ATP and WTA events, culminating in the women's singles final on Saturday, May 2, and the men's final on Sunday, May 3.
Day sessions begin at 9 a.m., while night sessions start at 5:30 p.m., offering fans multiple viewing windows. In a unique twist, a temporary clay court will be installed at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid – from April 23 to 30, allowing players to practice on a surface that mirrors the conditions at the iconic La Caja Mágica.
This initiative aims to give competitors a chance to fine‑tune their game ahead of the crucial matches. For those eager to follow the action, Sky Sports will broadcast the tournament live, and subscribers can also stream matches via NOW or the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50 percent more live sport at no extra cost this year. In summary, del Potro’s endorsement of Draper is clear: the British left‑hander has the skill set to challenge the sport’s current powerhouses, but his future success hinges on overcoming physical doubts and building a resilient, well‑rounded support system. If Draper can achieve that balance, he could very well become the next Grand Slam champion Britain hopes for.