Jack Draper’s Remarkable 15-Set Winning Streak at the 2024 US Open
British tennis player Jack Draper has emerged as a strong contender for the title at the 2024 US Open, after showcasing an exceptional form with a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive set wins.
Three years ago, Emma Raducanu clinched the US Open title with 14 consecutive set victories. This record has now been surpassed by Draper, and could potentially increase further, depending on the outcomes of his matches against Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. Draper is the first British player to reach the US Open men’s singles semifinals since Andy Murray in 2012.
Amidst a decline in British tennis following injuries to Raducanu and Cameron Norrie, and Murray’s retirement, Draper has risen as a new idol. Currently ranked 25th in the ATP standings, Draper is set to break into the top 20 when the rankings are updated after the US Open. He recently defeated Alex De Minaur 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarterfinals on September 4th.
Two years ago, Draper contemplated retirement due to a series of injuries. Coming from an affluent background, with a father who is the CEO of the All England Sports System and President of the Grass Court Tennis Association, and a mother who is a former grassroots tennis champion, Draper had numerous paths available to him beyond tennis. He has been trained in tennis since the age of four and had many options if he chose to leave the sport.
“I think patience has been key to reaching this point in my tennis career,” Draper said after his victory over Alex de Minaur in the US Open quarterfinals on September 4th. “It’s fantastic to overcome tough moments. I’ve never felt as physically fit as I do now.”
Draper’s perseverance has led to his best season ever. The 22-year-old won his first title in Stuttgart and achieved a career-high victory by defeating Carlos Alcaraz at the Queen’s Club during his Wimbledon preparations. He rose to his highest-ever world ranking of 25th just two weeks before the US Open, which has been his best Grand Slam showing, having reached the fourth round last year.
With a left-handed game and powerful cross-court shots, Draper is often compared to tennis’s version of Arjen Robben, as opponents might anticipate his play style but struggle to counter it. His height of 1.93 meters also gives him a significant advantage in service games. Additionally, Draper’s agility allows him to perform well at the net and execute effective drop shots.
“My goal is always the next match,” Draper said about his dream of winning the US Open. “This tournament always holds surprises. You can’t predict the outcome of each match. What I want to do is maintain my form and see what I can achieve.”
