Former Grand Slam champion Juan Martín del Potro has voiced his belief that Britain’s rising star Jack Draper possesses the talent to stand toe‑to‑toe with the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but he cautioned that the young left‑hander must first regain full confidence in his own physical health. Del Potro, who lifted the US Open trophy in 2009, highlighted that Draper’s path to becoming a genuine Grand Slam contender hinges on three core elements: consistency on court, a robust fitness regime, and the mental fortitude to shoulder the pressure of the sport’s biggest stages. Del Potro’s own career was a roller‑coaster of triumphs and setbacks. After reaching a career‑high ranking of world No.
3 and playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s Davis Cup victories, he was repeatedly hampered by chronic wrist and knee problems. Those injuries ultimately forced him to retire in 2022, a decision he has spoken about with candid honesty.
His experience gives him a unique perspective on the challenges that young players like Draper now face. 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 stress fracture in his left arm, he returned to competition in February and immediately 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 results demonstrated his capacity to compete with the sport’s elite, yet his season has also been marred by injury‑related withdrawals. In Barcelona, Draper was forced to retire in the deciding set against Tomas Martín Etcheverry, citing a knee problem that later compelled him to pull out of the Mutua Madrid Open.
The British player has also spoken openly about battling anxiety on court, experiencing bouts of nausea, and dealing with lingering issues in his hip, knee and arm. Despite these hurdles, Draper remains resolute.
In a heartfelt social‑media post after the Barcelona retirement, he pledged, “I will work my way out of this,” underscoring his determination to overcome both physical and mental obstacles. Del Potro praised Draper’s left‑handed play, noting that it gives him a natural advantage over many opponents. He said, “Jack is a gifted player, but sometimes the body can be the biggest enemy in a career, as it was for me. He needs to trust that his body will respond when the intensity ramps up week after week.” The Argentine legend emphasized that modern tennis demands a comprehensive support team: a dedicated coach, a physical trainer, a physiotherapist and a mental coach.
He added, “When the bad moments arrive, the quicker you can bounce back, the better you’ll fare.” Looking ahead, Draper hopes to make a strong showing at the upcoming Madrid Open, a tournament he reached the final of just a year ago. That run marked his first ATP Masters 1000 final on clay, where he pushed Casper Ruud to three sets before ultimately finishing runner‑up. The experience proved that Draper’s game translates well to the slower red dirt, a surface that rewards patience, tactical variety and physical endurance.
Del Potro reflected on his own injury‑laden journey, describing it as “the toughest part of my career.” Yet he also expressed a fondness for competing against the sport’s legendary trio – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – despite the physical toll. He warned that injuries are an inevitable part of tennis, but they can be mitigated through a well‑structured support system and a proactive approach to recovery.
Beyond Draper, British tennis enjoys a healthy mix of talent. No. 1 Cameron Norrie has posted solid results this season, including a quarter‑final appearance at Indian Wells and a respectable run to the third round of the Australian Open. Meanwhile, Katie Boulter has entered the main draw of the Madrid Open after withdrawals from Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal due to illness and injury, respectively.
The Madrid Open itself will unfold over two weeks, with the main‑draw action kicking off on Tuesday, 21 April. The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis, with day sessions beginning at 9 a.m. and night sessions at 5:30 p.m.
A special highlight this year is the installation of a temporary clay court at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid – from 23 April to 30 April, offering players a unique practice environment that mimics the conditions at the iconic La Caja Mágica. Fans can follow the ATP and WTA tours via Sky Sports or stream the matches through NOW and the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50 percent more live sport for subscribers at no extra charge.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Jack Draper, whose blend of talent, determination and the right medical backing could see him join the ranks of tennis’s newest elite.