What is the secret behind 'Jack Draper 2.0'?
A more mature Draper than ever revealed the two turning points that have led him to bring out his best version in 2025, related to his physical condition and his tennis player profile.
What performances is Mutua Madrid Open 2025 leaving us with? A spectacular Jack Draper. The evolution of the British player is evident in the Spanish capital, leading him to a well-deserved final where he aims to become the first to defend the Masters 1000 crown in 2025. Before the title clash against Casper Ruud, it's time to attend the press conference to analyze what he did right in his great victory over Musetti, the keys that have raised his tennis level, and the entire process behind these outstanding results.
- Physical improvement process and hard work to reach where he is now
"Playing at this level more often helps me tremendously. Australia was a crucial turning point for me at the beginning of the year. I was injured, not ready to hit the court and play, but having overcome three five-set matches before gave me confidence both physically and mentally to push myself to places I had never been before. I went from thinking I was weak, unable to stay in the game, to realizing that I was truly strong.
So I returned home, and whether I do things in the gym, cycling, or running, I try to push myself to the limit because I know there will be moments like today's match where it becomes very physical: if I have done all that work before, and I know I have, I feel more than prepared to go wherever I need to go".
- Musetti praised his defensive capability: Is Draper more versatile now, with two 'sides' to his game?
"Yes, definitely. When I was younger, I was always fighting and running all over the court, didn't have as many weapons because I was very small. I always faced bigger guys since I won a lot. As I grew, things became harder. I consider that I reached around #50 in the world as a counterpuncher, a defensive player.
Last year, I went through a little crisis, thinking about where my game was heading and what needed to change. I did some things and maybe tried to end up on the other side of the spectrum, hitting every ball as hard as possible, returning deep in the court, all those things... but that experiment didn't really work.
The most important thing was that I could learn to be defensive and do everything I used to do, but also attack when I should attack. I think I have a much better balance now. As I said yesterday, building that model is not easy: I'm a big guy, but I'm not the type to serve bombs and hit winners all over, I can do a bit of everything on the court, and I think that's what sets the best players apart".
- Incorporated variations like serve and volley as the match progressed: How does he think differently on the court compared to a few months ago?
"It's something my team and I talk about a lot, being present on the court. Sometimes, when there's a big crowd and you're in a great match against a tough opponent, it can be challenging to stick to the same game plan. As I got to the end of the second set, I felt that he started playing really well, hitting many winners. I managed to regain some control through the serve and volley, began serving very well, and learned what was bothering him at that moment, not letting him take control of the match. I'm very happy with how well I solved those issues".
- His mother, a talismanic presence in the coaching box and a great boost mentally
"You spend a lot of time away from home, not seeing your family. I get to see my brother more because he works in the tennis industry, but my mother usually stays at home with the dog, which makes her happy. The last times she came to watch me play, in the first round of Roland Garros I had a terrible match, and then in Monte Carlo this year, where I also had a very poor second round. It's as if every time she came to see me play, I performed poorly. When she told me yesterday that she was going to come, I thought I don't know if it was the right thing (smiles). I'm glad she finally came because today I had a great match, and maybe luck has changed".
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