Jack Draper has been injured leading up to the Australian Open (Image: Getty)
British No.1 insisted he will be able to go “100 per cent” at the despite a pre-season disrupted by a hip injury.
The semi-finalist had to cancel a training block with before Christmas and then pulled out of the United Cup in Sydney. The world No.15 has not played a competitive match since the Paris Masters back in October.
But Draper, who will face Argentine world No.46 Mariano Navone in the first round on Monday, said he will be fit and ready for the first Grand Slam of the year.
“It’s not ideal obviously preparation and everything,” admitted the big left-hander. “I had to miss a fair bit of my pre-season, the time when I wanted to sort of rebuild my body for this coming year.
“That’s what happens sometimes in sport. The last two-and-a-half weeks have been really positive. I’ve had some great hits as well, so I feel really good about my tennis. Yeah, there’s no reason why, come Monday, I can’t be playing some really good stuff. I am always anxious before matches – that is part of what makes me love tennis. That thrill to compete and the doubts. It is a real mental battle for any player.
“But I’d say I wouldn’t be competing if I didn’t feel like I can go 100 per cent. I feel confident in my tennis. I definitely built a lot of belief at the end of last year. I feel confident coming here. I’ll feel ready to go on Monday, for sure.”
Andy Murray (right) is coaching Novak Djokovic at this year’s Australian Open (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Draper had practice sessions this week with his friend and world No.1 , as well as . “When I first came onto the tour, I remember putting my name down,” he recalled. “I was in Miami. No one wanted to hit with me, which is obviously a bit different now being able to play with top players.
“It is something that I have to remind myself that I am a seed and a top 20 player now. I am hopefully with those guys and in amongst it.
“It was amazing to be on court with Novak and Andy especially. Jannik and I hit a couple of days ago. Yeah, they just bring such a high quality to the practice court, as well. It’s really great to be able to spar with that kind of level of intensity and work ethic, just what they bring to the court.”
Former British No.1 Murray is now coaching Djokovic. “It was different,” Draper admitted. “It was weird seeing him in the changing room beforehand. Definitely missed him. Nice to see him back on the tour. I thought we had got rid of him. Unfortunately not! Andy gives so much to tennis. He has been a legend of the game with the way that he has played over the years but I think he can bring so much to the sport whether that can be in commentary or as a coach. It will be really interesting to see how that link-up with Novak unfolds.”
Asked what his tennis and life goals are for 2025, Draper said: “I think my tennis goal is to keep on fulfilling my potential, be consistent day in, day out. I would say the main goal for me tennis-wise is consistency. Life goal? Learn more about money. I don’t understand anything about it. Obviously I didn’t do any financial or economics at school or something. I want to understand a little bit more about that. So that’s a little bit of studying for me to do off the court.”