US Open 2024: Jack Draper runs with baton passed by Andy Murray in New York

Many in the British tennis world have long known that Draper had the talent to be among the best players in the world.

A glimpse of his talent became apparent when he reached the boys’ Wimbledon final in 2018.

When Novak Djokovic scored a set on his Wimbledon debut as a teenager in 2021, it became even more noticeable.

The 2022 and 2023 seasons were then plagued by physical issues that hampered Draper’s progress.

A series of injuries and mid-match retirements ended his Roland Garros campaign last year with a shoulder injury, with Draper lamenting that he is “the guy who gets injured a lot”.

This meant he was unable to play the entire British grass season.

“My body was made of glass at that point,” recalled Draper, who was ranked 123rd at last year’s US Open.

Now fit and injury-free, he is enjoying the fruits of his hard work building his body.

Working again with fitness trainer Steve Kotze, who Draper describes as “one of the best in the world,” has acted as a catalyst.

Physical therapist Will Herbert, dubbed “The Mechanic” by Emma Raducanu for his work during her fairytale run to the 2021 US Open title, is another key member of Draper’s team.

Growing stronger, he claimed his first ATP title in Stuttgart, then defeated Alcaraz at Queen’s before making his breakthrough in New York.

“He’s a great person. He’s been through some tough times, he’s been moving forward and then something happens. It was tough for him,” said Leon Smith, Britain’s Davis Cup captain.

“He is very ambitious and loves the sport immensely.

“Now for the first time he has a period in which he can do his own thing.”