Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a member of the iconic “Big Three,” boasts 22 Grand Slam titles and countless records. Now, Jack Draper has joined Nadal in achieving an extraordinary milestone.
The 23-year-old British player secured his spot in the Madrid Open semifinals with a dominant 6-0, 6-4 victory over Matteo Arnaldi, marking a career-defining moment.
This win not only propelled Draper to his first clay-court semifinal but also secured him a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 5 when the standings are updated on Monday.
The accomplishment places Draper in an elite category shared only with Nadal this century. Draper will become the second left-handed player to break into the ATP Top 5 since Nadal, who held the World No. 1 ranking for 209 weeks during his legendary career.
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in their round one singles match against Jack Draper of Great Britain during day one of the 2023 Australian Open. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Before Nadal, the last left-handed player to achieve such a feat was Marcelo Rios. The Chilean reached a career-high of World No. 2 during the 1999 Australian Open, holding that position from January 18 to January 25, 1999.
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Draper reflects on his growth
Speaking to Sky Sports, Draper reflected on his progression and growing confidence on clay. “I feel stronger every time I play. The last couple of years coming onto the clay I felt against these guys I’d always be the one on the back foot, I’d always be the one defending,” Draper explained.
“The next part of my game was just getting strong, getting more capable physically to do the things I know I can do and bully these guys. My forehand is doing a lot of damage and I want to keep it up,” he added. “I have been doing everything in all areas pretty well and am excited to keep on going. Hopefully, it keeps coming together”.
Draper joins exclusive British company
It’s been a historic week for Draper, who will face Lorenzo Musetti for a chance to reach the Madrid Open final. With his impending Top 5 ATP ranking, Draper becomes just the fourth British player in history to break into the Top 5, joining an elite group that includes Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman, and Andy Murray.
Rusedski entered the Top 5 in 1997, Henman followed in 1999, and Murray last accomplished the feat in 2008. Draper’s rise marks another significant moment in British tennis history and solidifies his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
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