British tennis star Jack Draper’s breakthrough season has come to an end after he succumbed to Alex de Minaur in a hard-fought three-set match at the Paris Masters. The 22-year-old, who has shot up the ATP rankings this year, found himself physically and emotionally exhausted, ultimately falling 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in the tournament’s last 16. Draper’s demanding schedule—eight matches in just 10 days—finally caught up with him as he struggled to keep up with World No. 10 de Minaur.
The young Brit was visibly drained, and his frustration boiled over after losing the first game of the deciding set, where he uncharacteristically smashed his racket in a rare show of emotion. Draper, who captured his first ATP 500 title in Vienna days earlier, will now wrap up his season ranked World No. 14—an impressive rise of 48 places in 2024 that cements his status as Britain’s No. 1 player.
Draper’s Breakthrough Year
This season marked a series of firsts for Draper: two titles, a maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open, and a meteoric rise in the rankings. “It’s been a huge year for Jack,” remarked a member of his coaching team, highlighting the player’s growth as he climbed closer to the world’s elite.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the ATP Finals in Turin, Draper’s achievements signal that he could soon join the top 10, and his progression has already made waves in British tennis. “I wanted to finish strong, but I think my body and mind just needed a rest,” Draper admitted after the match, reflecting on his demanding end-of-season schedule.
Alex de Minaur’s ATP Finals Hopes
For de Minaur, the victory keeps alive a slim chance of qualifying for the prestigious ATP Finals. The Australian, who is also dealing with a lingering injury, will need more strong results as he watches the remaining matches that could determine his place in Turin. Draper’s loss, however, opens the door for de Minaur to make a last-minute push if the cards fall in his favor.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Draper closes the book on an impressive year, all eyes will be on his potential to break into the top 10 next season. With a Grand Slam semi-final and two ATP titles under his belt, Draper’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Will the 22-year-old carry this momentum into 2025 and take his place among tennis’s elite?
Sources for this article include:
Match reports from the Paris Masters, statements from Draper’s coaching team, and ATP rankings updates.
