Jack Draper’s superb run to the US Open semi-finals has been rewarded with his first-ever entry into the world’s top 20.
Draper lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the last four at Flushing Meadows, which marked the first time a British man has progressed to that stage of the US Open since Andy Murray won the title in 2012.
The 22-year-old solidified his position as British No 1 following an incredible run in New York and has cracked the top 20 of the ATP men’s singles world rankings for the first time in his career.
Draper’s run included a hugely impressive straight sets victory over 10th seed Alex de Minaur, and he has risen five places in the latest rankings, now sitting 20th.
The Brit though, is far from content with that, and wants to push up the rankings even further.
“I’ve still got a lot to work on. I’ve still got a lot to improve. At the end of the day, I need to keep on improving my physicality, my mentality, the way I play,” he told Sky Sports.
Draper is sick on court during his semi-final thriller…
“But there’s no reason why I don’t belong at the top of the game with these guys. I proved that to myself on a few occasions this year. My goal now is to try and do it more consistently and put myself in front of these guys on a regular basis at the back end of tournaments.
“I think that is something I’m capable of. But it’s just a matter of time.”
Tim Henman shows his support for Draper following a brutal clash against Sinner
Sinner, by virtue of his victory, solidifies his grip on top spot with victory in the final Grand Slam of the year, and is only the sixth player in history to earn more than 11,000 ranking points.
Runner-up Taylor Fritz moved up five places to No. 7 in the rankings, whilst US compatriot Frances Tiafoe – whom he defeated in the other semi-final – was also a big climber, moving four places higher in the rankings to 16th.
Draper and Sinner both receive treatment from their physios as they are pushed to the limit physically during their US Open clash
World No. 1 Sinner was full of praise for the Brit, after beating him in the semi-final – with Draper vomiting on court multiple times during a physically exerting encounter.
Sinner believes the Sutton-born star will be a difficult opponent for years to come.
“He’s made his breakthrough this week a little bit, playing some amazing tennis, serving very well. Physically he has improved a lot,” Sinner said.
“So he’s going to be very tough to beat in the future, for sure. I’m happy for him.”
It’s not yet confirmed when Draper will next be in action, but after a brief hiatus the ATP Tour swings back into action with events in China and Japan from 16 September onwards.
The Chengdu Open (ATP 250) and Hangzhou Open (ATP 250) tournaments will be live on Sky Sports Tennis from that week, followed by the China Open (ATP 500) in Beijing and Japan Open (ATP 500) in Tokyo from September 23.
All matches will be watchable on Sky Sports as Draper looks to improve his impressive form on hard courts (17 wins – 9 losses), and across the calendar year (30-18) depending on where he next decides to play.
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