British tennis is buzzing again — and no, it’s not just Andy Murray’s farewell tour that’s got fans talking. A new name is quietly making loud moves on the ATP Tour: Jack Draper. With a powerful lefty serve, a fierce baseline game, and a newfound maturity on and off the court, Draper is quickly becoming the heir to Murray’s tennis throne. But how exactly has he primed himself to follow in the footsteps of the three-time Grand Slam champion?
For starters, Draper’s rise hasn’t been accidental — it’s been meticulous. After an injury-riddled couple of years that would’ve derailed many young careers, Draper doubled down on his fitness, conditioning, and recovery. He’s bulked up without losing agility, trimmed down to optimize endurance, and has worked extensively on mental toughness — something Murray has always excelled at.
Then there’s his game itself. Draper’s left-handedness gives him a natural edge, and his serve has become a true weapon, regularly clocking over 130 mph. His forehand is aggressive, his backhand compact, and he’s learning to come forward more often — a sign he’s adding layers to his game. While Murray built his reputation on counterpunching brilliance and tactical mastery, Draper leans more toward power and tempo — though the tennis IQ is clearly there too.
Off the court, Draper’s work ethic mirrors that of Murray’s early days. He’s often spotted hitting the practice courts before sunrise and sticking around long after matches to analyze video footage with his team. Draper has also been vocal about the influence of Murray, calling him a “massive inspiration” and a source of advice during his rise. He’s not trying to be the next Murray — he’s carving his own identity, just with the same blueprint of grit, focus, and British pride.
And the results are speaking. Wins over top-20 opponents, a maiden ATP title, and now a steady climb into the top 30 — Draper isn’t just knocking on the door of elite tennis, he’s trying to kick it down. With Murray’s career nearing its end, British fans have been wondering who will carry the torch. Jack Draper is answering that question with each blistering forehand and every headline-grabbing win.
He’s not quite there yet — but make no mistake, Jack Draper is primed. The path has been laid, and he’s marching confidently in Murray’s shadow… until it becomes his own spotlight.
