Draper, the memory of his grandmother, and finding his purpose in tennis: "My mindset has changed"
The Briton wants to take a step forward after a 2024 of improvement, progress, and few physical problems. His greatest motivation? The fight against Alzheimer's and the memory of his grandmother.
Jack Draper has been one of the most prominent names of 2024. His progress and evolution throughout the year surprised both insiders and outsiders, going from being a supporting actor with some potential to stepping forward as one of the major disruptors in the noble court of the circuit. It was not an easy season: identity crisis, minor discomforts, a complete mindset change, and the ultimate reward, a semi-final at the US Open that has propelled him to a new status within the ATP tour.
After a year with so many facets and at a stage where he has yet to reach his peak (just turned 22), Jack is far from feeling satisfied. Hungry, eager to "improve every day" and challenge the best, there are several reasons that explain his tremendous evolution in recent months. The most important one, of course, is related to his family, specifically his grandmother, Brenda: after being a maternal figure for Jack, taking him to many tournaments when he was very young, she is now fighting a significant battle against Alzheimer's. She has been doing so for 12 years, and after witnessing how her health has been clearly affected by this condition, Draper dedicates each of his feats to a person of vital importance in his life.
"Now I feel like I have a purpose and a mission that is much larger than myself. My grandparents were a very important part of my development. Now I have a purpose, I feel like I am not just a tennis player", Jack continues in a conversation with The Athletic, praising the work done by associations fighting dementia, in which he actively participates. "Tennis is an individual sport: we are always focused on ourselves. It is very important to me to have a goal that goes beyond tennis. Honestly, I don't find what I do too impressive. I know it may sound strange because I'm the 15th in the world, but if I go out on the street and meet people, I don't talk to them about tennis. I don't think what I do is exceptional and I don't like to boast: I still drive a second-hand Polo".
Draper's conviction also arises from a feeling of "small guilt" every time he embarks on long tours: he is aware of the age and health of his grandparents, and has firsthand experience of the effects of dementia on his grandmother. "You see that person you love, you see that person who has always been such an important figure to you, and you realize that they no longer recognize you", a poignant Draper points out, eager to keep his motivation and flame intact for 2025.
THE SHADOW OF INJURIES AND THE MINDSET SHIFT THAT ELEVATED HIS GAME
He will not be able to compete in the 2025 United Cup due to a small hip injury: physical problems are his greatest enemy, a constant in his career that was largely resolved during much of 2024. But not only did improving his physical condition elevate him to a new level: also, as he confesses, a slight shift in mindset regarding his tennis and weaknesses unleashed the best Draper, citing Medvedev as an example and "embracing" to some extent the complexity of his game.
"When you watch tennis on television, you focus on players like Daniil and you see his technique with the forehand, which is a bit peculiar, like in my case. That's when you realize that's his style. And it's great", affirms the Brit, who, finally, wanted to weigh in on the association between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, showing his excitement about his compatriot's return to the circuit dynamic: "I think Andy will be an incredible coach, his tennis intelligence is impressive. For him, the tactical challenge is going to be super fun. I understand that he wants to feel that adrenaline again, he wants to be part of something big". Just as big, of course, as he wants his career to be, a story whose first pages are still being written with a very special dedication: to his grandparents. No one should forget what they have done for us, for sure.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Draper, el recuerdo de su abuela y encontrar su propósito en el tenis: "Mi mentalidad ha cambiado"