British No 1 Jack Draper feels prepared to hold the hopes of a nation on the first Wimbledon since two-time champion Sir Andy Murray’s retirement.
Draper heads into his residence Grand Slam ranked fourth on the planet and having claimed three titles during the last 12 months, together with the Masters 1000 occasion at Indian Wells in March.
The 23-year-old has solely gained two matches at Wimbledon in his profession and was knocked out within the second spherical by compatriot Cameron Norrie in 2024.
Draper is a real title contender this time round however faces a brutal draw, with Alexander Bublik – the person who knocked him out of the French Open – Jakub Mensik, Novak Djokovic and world No 1 Jannik Sinner all potential opponents down the road.
Draper solutions questions on how life has modified for him since breaking into the highest 5 of the ATP rankings
Draper, who will tackle Argentina’s Sebastian Baez within the first spherical on Tuesday, mentioned: “Clearly when Andy retired, they mentioned I used to be the following in line.
“Andy has completed an unbelievable job, been extremely profitable and change into adored by the nation. It is clearly large sneakers to fill. I am conscious of that.
“On the similar time I am assured in myself that hopefully I can encourage folks like Andy has completed. I am going to do my greatest to maintain enhancing, to indicate my greatest tennis and hopefully current myself because the participant and the individual I wish to be.
‘I do know Andy is true there if I would like him’
“Andy has given me a tremendous quantity of suggestions and recommendation through the years. I believe one of many largest issues is everyone seems to be on their totally different journey.
Murray gained Wimbledon in 2012 and 2014
“He additionally mentioned he does not wish to intervene.
“I believe he is very reluctant to touch upon something to do with me as a result of he understands what it is wish to be on this place, to have folks asking me stuff on a regular basis about issues.
“I do know Andy’s proper there for me if I would like him anytime. There might come some extent the place I ask him a number of issues, and I am certain he’ll come again and be extraordinarily useful and supportive, as all the time.”
On his tough-looking path to the ultimate, Draper added: “I have not checked out that in any respect. I have a look at my first spherical, who I’ve. I respect each individual within the draw.
“I’ve bought Baez on Tuesday, and I am not wanting additional than that. I do know he is a powerful participant. He is right here off his personal benefit. I look no additional than him.”
Comply with Wimbledon throughout Sky Sports activities‘ digital platforms from June 30-July 13.
