For most athletes, an absolute, pure obsession with their craft is essential to their success. For Jack Draper, his obsession lies with tennis, the craft of which he 'lives and breathes.'
As the rising tennis star gives British fans a new name to cheer for after Andy Murray's recent exit from the sport, Draper is doing so in great fashion and moving up the ATP rankings in the process.
With Wimbledon just around the corner, Draper has secured a top-five seeding in the rankings as helped by his Queen's Club Championships run, despite his semifinal defeat to Jiri Lehecka in three sets early Saturday morning.
Jack Draper's love for tennis drives him to achieve great things
Draper is likely playing the best tennis of his life this year, and it's been proven by his No. 4 spot in the ATP rankings. His US Open semifinal run last year kicked things off. Not only is he playing great tennis for himself, but he's entering the beginning stages of picking up the mantle that Murray laid to rest.
Draper hasn't reached any heights close to those Murray did, not yet, anyway. Still, Draper is showing signs of great potential, and he credits his rise and solid tennis year to his obsession with the sport. He recently spoke about it during his run at Queen's.
“To be inside the top four come Wimbledon one year around, that's massive progress, a testament to my team, the dedication I have had for tennis, the work I have put in on a daily basis,” he said. “I live and breathe the sport, and I'm obsessed with progressing and obsessed with becoming the player that I want to become all the time and achieve the things I want to."
Draper's best past Wimbledon results have gotten him to the second round but no further. Locking down a top-four seed at the event this year is quite an accomplishment. That said, Draper is seeking more than just a top seed.
While a Grand Slam win is a far stretch this year, a deep run might be the perfect scenario for Draper to continue some of the momentum he is presently benefiting from. That said, he isn't ready for his rise to overshadow what those before him have accomplished, such as Murray and another British great, Tim Henman.
Good for Draper for not letting the commotion and noise get to him. He has a long way to go before he enters Andy Murray territory.