British star Jack Draper opens up on true reason why most tennis stars won't even practice with him

Over the past two seasons, Jack Draper has hit his stride, gradually earning his place among the sport’s elite. Currently ranked No. 5 in the ATP Rankings, he’s a top contender at nearly every tournament he enters. But there’s one detail about him that causes many of his colleagues to steer clear.

In a pre-Roland Garros interview with Sky Sports, Draper reflected on what it’s like being one of the few left-handed players on tour. “People get very paranoid about hitting with someone who is a lefty if they’re playing a righty,” he explained.

“I remember being 340 in the world and I got a wild card into the Miami Open. I wrote my name down for practice, and no one wanted to hit with me. They were all just crossing out my name and putting someone else’s,” said the World No. 5. “I do understand it. It’s probably not what you’re going to face.”

Still, this isn’t something that affects Jack anymore. “I don’t care who I hit with. If I’m getting that ball in front of me, I’m able to hit, get in the groove, it doesn’t really matter,” he said. “Maybe that’s just the mentality I’ve grown up with the fact that not many people want to hit with lefties before tournaments and stuff.”

Ben Shelton is also a lefty

Other left-handed players on the ATP Tour

Studies estimate that about 10% of the global population is left-handed, and that trend holds in tennis as well. Among the current ATP top 100, there are 12 left-handed players, including not only Jack Draper, but also stars like United States’ Ben Shelton and Canada’s Denis Shapovalov.

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After revealing that few players typically choose to practice with lefties, Draper acknowledged that there are some exceptions. “Yeah, whoever is playing Shelton or Shapovalov or someone like that, I know they’ll be asking me for practice. I’m all good,” he said.

Draper breaks down the left-handed advantage

Facing a lefty is a unique experience for most opponents—and often an uncomfortable one. Draper believes that gives him an edge, but he also notes another unexpected advantage. “My biggest strength is probably the fact that I am naturally right-handed,” said Jack. “My backhand is a shot which I’ve always been really confident on. So when right-handers go into my backhand, as well, it feels like a great shot for me.”

And on that rare combination, the World No. 5 offered a candid perspective. “I think I’ve got kind of the best of both worlds almost. I always say people say it’s an advantage. Still trying to figure one out, I suppose,” said Draper, who will make his Roland Garros debut on Monday against Mattia Bellucci.