Chris Oddo| @thefanchild | Wednesday, May 14, 2025
His matches have 19 games since early March, including his first Masters title in India’s Wells and his first Masters final in Clay, Madrid, which makes sense that fatigue will be part of the equation Jack Draper During this stage of spring.
That would be…normal. But Draper doesn’t want to be normal, so there is no excuse. After he 6-4, he lost 6-4 Carlos Alcaraz On Wednesday at Foro Italico in Rome, Draper talked about his emotions as he reflected on his so-called disappointing performance.
The 23-year-old Briton told the media: “I’m very disappointed with the way I perform and I think from a psychological and emotional point of view, obviously you can say that it’s normal and you have a tough four weeks right now.
“I don’t want to be normal. I want to be there. It’s painful, this loss.
“But like I said, Carlos’s game is excellent, he’s a better player. I have to accept it, go back to the drawing board, prepare for the French Open, knowing that I hope I will have more opportunities for these great players.”
This has to be music from James Trotman’s ears. Draper’s coach is extravagant to work with one of the fastest rising players on the ATP Tour – the British made their top 5 debut on May 5, and better yet, the kids don’t want to stop climbing.
What do you don’t like?
Draper has been tired in Rome all week, so even if he didn’t, today’s loss could be a blessing. Draper’s forehand speed dropped drastically in the first six games against Espanyol, from 75 mph to 71 mph, and his spin speed dropped accordingly.
Draper finally got to the pace as he recovered his rest in the second set and pushed Alcaraz into 4 innings, but he had no strong tennis to pass as Alcaraz captured 10 of the last 11 points to win.
“I’ve been playing the last four weeks for the last four weeks,” Draper admitted. “I don’t want to think about it or admit it, but I think it’s a big deal not only today, but all week. I’ve been trying to keep myself on quality throughout the game.
“Today against someone like this, you can’t fall in the standard because you’ll be punished.”
Carlos Alcaraz after Rome defeated Jack Draper:“I never doubt he will be at the highest level of the game.” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/i7iyqb0ana
– Tennisletter (@Thetennisletter) May 14, 2025
There is still a lot to like about how Draper’s clay field game develops this year. Before the clay season began, he was ostensibly 11-13, winning nine of 12 games.
“I’m very proud of the way the clay season is, especially so far,” Draper said. “Obviously the results are good. It’s hard to keep going. But I know if I want to be a top player, I have to be consistent throughout the week.”
After the break, Draper will head to Paris for his third career appearance at Roland-Garros, where he never won. That statistics are expected to change by the end of May, and don’t be surprised if the evolving Southpaw is standing at the start of the second week.
