By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, May 4, 2025
Jack Draper has emerged as a formidable contender on clay. While few expected this transformation before his stellar Madrid performance, the 23-year-old British star has proven that his clay-court prowess is just beginning to blossom.
Before this tournament, Draper boasted a modest 10-12 record on clay, but with his impressive run to the Madrid Masters final, he has clearly left those days of inconsistency behind.
Crucially, Draper himself is embracing this newfound confidence.
“I just needed to get my foot in the door to showcase my ability to compete at a high level on this surface,” Draper remarked.
After securing his first Top-20 victories on clay, he believes he’s merely scratching the surface of his potential.
“This week has shown me, and others, that I can compete with the top players on this surface,” he explained. “I still have much to learn about movement and strategy on clay, but I am right there with the best.”
“I find great encouragement in that and hope to carry this momentum into Rome and then the French Open.”
Champion Casper Ruud echoed the sentiments of many as he praised Draper following his victory, a closely fought 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 match.
“What an incredible player you are at such a young age. You’ve emerged as a threat on every surface,” Ruud stated. “The sky is the limit for you. Luckily, it was my day today.”
“What a player you are, already at a young age, the player you’ve become on all surfaces. You’re a threat to everyone now – doesn’t matter where, doesn’t matter when – I think sky is the limit for you. Luckily, it was my day today.” pic.twitter.com/NRiYyohmb0
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) May 4, 2025
Draper believes that his recent success on clay may positively impact his performance on faster surfaces, where he has already excelled. His recent achievements have certainly boosted his ranking, propelling him into the Top-5 of the ATP, making him only the fourth British player to reach this prestigious milestone.
“This gives me the confidence to approach faster surfaces, which I favor,” he said. “If I can achieve this success on clay, I wonder what I can accomplish on other surfaces as well.”
