Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has backed British ace Jack Draper to be “in the conversation” for all 4 Grand Slams in 2025.
Draper fell quick in his quest for a fairy-tale of New York as his US Open dream ended in an agonising semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner on Friday.
The 22-year-old hoped to turn into the primary British man to achieve a Grand Slam closing since Andy Murray in 2016 however he discovered the Italian world No 1 too good.
The Briton hopes the expertise will assist him sooner or later and tennis nice Navratilova has weighed into the dialog by telling Sky Sports activities Tennis he will likely be firmly within the combine for all 4 main titles subsequent yr.
“I remember playing the first time against Chris [Evert] and Margaret Court, everything was hit a little bit harder, a little bit deeper, a little bit closer to the sideline,” mentioned the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion.
“I needed to run extra. The drop photographs had been shorter. Every part was higher.
“It is cumulative, on this courtroom when it is so bodily. But it surely simply caught up with him [Draper].
“Next year, if he stays healthy, Jack will be in the conversation in every major. That’s a really big plus.
“If he retains taking part in like this. The Sky is the restrict.”
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Draper expressed his optimism regardless of his semi-final exit to Sinner
Draper was additionally hamstrung by anxiousness and nerves which noticed him vomit a number of instances on courtroom in the course of the match.
“It was rough he couldn’t compete at his top physical level, because of everything going on in his stomach and his brain,” mentioned Navratilova.
“But he still kept it together, and he was in there. Jack gave it absolutely his all, and then some.
“He appears so calm when he is taking part in. He is been unbelievably calm. Speaking to us, he is so relaxed.
“The anxiety, he’s got to let that out somehow, as it’s maybe eating him up and getting to him. Something has to give here, but we don’t see it when he’s playing. He internalises it that much.”
Draper took to social media on Saturday to specific his emotions, saying he’s “very proud” of the progress he’s making underneath the steering of coach James Trotman.
“I gave it everything I had yesterday but it wasn’t enough,” he mentioned. “I’m very proud of the progress I’m making with my team and I’ve still got so much to improve and learn… that motivates me so much ! Congrats to a good friend Jannik Sinner in for all you are achieving and good luck for the final!
“Additionally need to thank everybody for the help and messages I’ve acquired it means loads to me. At all times shifting ahead.”
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Highlights of the US Open semi-final between Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner
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Tim Henman sits all the way down to reply a few of your burning tennis questions!
What’s developing on Sky Sports activities Tennis in September?
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (9-15 September)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (16 -22 September – with Emma Raducanu in motion)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (16 -22 September)
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and will likely be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this yr at no further value. Discover out extra right here.
