Jack Draper: A Dark Horse Contender for the US Open Title
Jack Draper has been given a fighting chance to clinch the US Open title, with experts suggesting he could outshine both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Although the talented British player hasn’t competed in a singles match since his exit at Wimbledon, tennis analyst Mark Petchey believes it’s premature to count Draper out.
In a recent interview with OLBG, Petchey shared his thoughts: “I’m not overly concerned about Jack, especially given that he hasn’t played much leading into the tournament. Taking the time to focus on his physical health is actually a positive sign. He’ll enter the competition feeling refreshed and ready to go.”
Draper’s lack of match play means he’s an unpredictable factor in the tournament. Petchey reflected on past experiences, noting, “We saw how challenging it was for players during the Australian Open. Early matches can become grueling, leading to exhausting five-set battles in extreme heat.”
The key to Draper’s success lies in how effectively he can navigate the first week of the tournament. “If he can advance through the opening rounds with minimal setbacks—ideally losing only one or two sets—then I’m optimistic about his prospects,” Petchey added.
While Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have established themselves as frontrunners, Petchey insists Draper has more than just a fighting chance. “It’s a misconception to believe he can’t win. In the right conditions, Jack is more than capable of triumphing over them.”
Although starting the tournament without recent match experience isn’t ideal, Draper’s exceptional talent allows him to quickly regain confidence and belief in his game. “It’s not about lacking confidence; rather, he can rapidly build it through match play. Being well-rested could actually turn out to be his unique advantage,” Petchey concluded.
As the US Open approaches, all eyes will be on Jack Draper, who may just surprise everyone with his performance on the court.
