Former Grand Slam champion Juan Martín del Potro has publicly voiced his belief 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 confidence in his physical health. Del Potro, who captured the 2009 US Open title and spent time as world No. 3, knows all too well how injuries can derail a promising career; his own journey was marred by chronic wrist and knee problems that ultimately forced his retirement in 2022. Drawing on that personal experience, he emphasized that Draper’s biggest hurdle is not a lack of skill but the need for his body to respond reliably to the rigors of elite competition.
Draper, now ranked 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 quickly made an impact. He stunned Novak Djokovic during his title defence at Indian Wells, propelling himself into the quarter‑finals before falling to Reilly Opelka in straight sets at the Miami Open.
Those performances sparked optimism that the 24‑year‑old could become a regular contender at the sport’s biggest events. Yet the British player’s recent season has also been punctuated by setbacks.
He missed the Monte‑Carlo Masters, retired in the deciding set of his Barcelona Open match against Tomas Martín Etcheverry, and withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open with a knee injury. Each interruption has reinforced del Potro’s point: physical reliability is essential for sustained success.
"As a left‑handed player, Jack already enjoys a natural advantage on the court," del Potro explained during a press conference for the Roland‑Garros Junior Series in Brazil. "He has the raw tennis ability to compete at the highest level, but injuries can become the biggest obstacle in a player's career – something I know all too well. What Jack needs now is confidence that his body can handle the intensity of back‑to‑back matches week after week." Beyond the physical challenges, Draper has also been open about his mental health struggles.
He has spoken publicly about bouts of anxiety that have manifested as nausea and other physical symptoms during matches. Combined with a history of injuries to his hip, knee and arm, these issues have made consistency a key focus for his development team. Del Potro highlighted the importance of a holistic support system, noting that modern tennis players require more than just a coach. "You need a dedicated physical trainer, a physiotherapist, and a mental coach.
When injuries strike, the speed with which you can recover—both physically and mentally—often determines whether you return stronger or fall behind," he said. The British youngster’s recent results provide a mixed picture. After his impressive run to the final of the Madrid Open last year—his first ATP Masters 1000 final on clay, where he pushed Casper Ruud to three tightly contested sets—Draper demonstrated that he can adapt his game to slower surfaces. Although he ultimately finished runner‑up, the experience gave him valuable exposure to the pressures of a high‑stakes environment.
Del Potro praised that performance, stating, "Jack showed he can construct points on red dirt and sustain a high level of play over a best‑of‑five format. That bodes well for his future at events like the French Open." Looking ahead, Draper hopes to return to Madrid this April, aiming to build on the momentum from his previous deep run. The tournament will be held over two weeks, with the main draw commencing on Tuesday, April 21, and the men’s final scheduled for Sunday, May 3.
Sky Sports will broadcast the action, and a temporary clay court will be installed at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium from April 23‑30, offering players a unique practice environment that mirrors the conditions at the La Caja Mágica. Del Potro also reflected on his own career trajectory, noting that injuries were the most challenging aspect of his time on tour. "I spent many years battling pain, but I still loved playing against the Big Three—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic—every day," he recalled.
"Injuries are part of the sport, and an athlete must accept that they can appear at any moment. That’s why assembling a perfect team around you is crucial." For British tennis fans, the upcoming Madrid Open provides an opportunity to see Draper test his physical resilience against a world‑class field. Alongside him, British No. 1 Cameron Norrie has already posted solid results this season, including a quarter‑final appearance at Indian Wells and a third‑round showing at the Australian Open.
Meanwhile, compatriot Katie Boulter secured a spot in the main draw after withdrawals by Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal due to illness and injury, respectively. In summary, del Potro’s message to Jack Draper is clear: the talent is there, the tactical acumen is evident, and the mental fortitude is growing. The missing piece is a body that can consistently respond to the demands of the tour.
If Draper can solidify his fitness, manage his anxiety, and continue to refine his game, there is little reason why he cannot regularly challenge Sinner, Alcaraz, and the other top contenders for major titles in the years to come.