Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has expressed her confidence in British player Jack Draper, predicting he will be a contender for all four Grand Slam titles in 2025.
Draper’s remarkable run at the US Open concluded with a heart-wrenching semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner on Friday. The talented 22-year-old aimed to become the first British man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Murray in 2016, but faced a formidable challenge from the world No. 1.
Despite the setback, Draper aims to leverage this experience for his future endeavors. Navratilova commented on the match, highlighting the physical demands of professional tennis and the challenges Draper faced during the contest. She stated, “Next year, if he stays healthy, Jack will be in the conversation in every major. That’s a really big plus.”
Navratilova also reflected on her own experiences, mentioning that the intensity of Grand Slam matches requires players to adapt quickly to heightened competition. She affirmed that if Draper continues to perform at this level, “the sky is the limit” for his career.
Draper acknowledged the mental hurdles he faced during the match, admitting anxiety affected his performance, which led to physical distress on the court. Nonetheless, Navratilova praised Draper’s resilience, saying, “He looks so calm when he’s playing. He has been unbelievably calm.”
Following his semi-final exit, Draper took to social media to share his feelings, expressing pride in his progress under coach James Trotman and gratitude for the support he has received.
As tennis enthusiasts look forward to the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Jack Draper as he aims to translate his potential into success on the Grand Slam stage.
