Jack Draper: John McEnroe backs British No. 1 to be regular top 10 ...

Published 06/09/2024 at 06:05 GMT

John McEnroe thinks Jack Draper should be targeting a regular spot among the world’s top 10 players following his impressive run at the US Open.

The British No. 1 is into the semi-finals of a major for the first time and will take on top seed Jannik Sinner next.

Speaking about Draper’s run in the tournament, Eurosport tennis expert McEnroe said: “He certainly benefitted from a favourable draw, there's no question about that, but I think that he's playing the game with more abandon. Using his height to his advantage more.

“He still, to me, has a tendency to stand too far back, because he's got a big game. Being a lefty, the players don't see that as often, obviously, so I knew he was going to be good. 

“Even his movement is better than I thought and so I think that means he could easily contend on a more regular basis, and certainly be a regular in the top 10.”

Highlights: Draper crushes de Minaur, Muchova overcomes illness to beat Haddad Maia at US Open

His persistence and dedication is now paying off with the finest tournament run of his life.

“Jack has had some hard luck, sort of, injury wise, and then he had issues with his fitness stepping up into the big time,” McEnroe said.

“Obviously, a lot is expected, and now that Andy [Murray] has retired, he sort of had to step into that role, which is not easy at all.” 

Victory over De Minaur came during Draper’s first outing on Arthur Ashe and with a huge task ahead against Sinner, McEnroe says it is vital the Brit feels as comfortable as possible.

“Well, obviously he's a big underdog, and it's a big step up. De Minaur, in a way, was happy to be there because he had been hurt and hadn't played since Wimbledon,” he said.

“I remember the first time I got to the Wimbledon Centre Court, my legs were shaking. I was playing Jimmy Connors, who was one of the top guys.

"Obviously, there's more expectation, in a way, now that he's made this run. But also you're way more excited. 

“I mean, I don't know when he stepped into New York that he was thinking, ‘I'm going to get to the semis’.

“He's already gained quite a bit, so at this point he's got a lot more to gain than to lose. He doesn't have pretty much anything to lose, so that should take some of the pressure off.”

Watch and stream the 2024 Laver Cup live on Eurosport and discovery+