Draper comes from behind to defeat Alcaraz: "I built myself from there".
Over the last ten days or so, Jack Draper has come back to life. Embroiled for several years in serious physical problems, he had even considered retiring for a time. Fortunately, he didn't, and at the age of 22 is now enjoying his first exploits on the ATP circuit.
Draper was crowned champion last week in Stuttgart, beating Berrettini in the final, and didn't need much time to digest his first career title. Entering the ATP 500 at Queen's, he easily won his first round match before creating a sensation in the Round of 16, upsetting world number 2 and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (7-6, 6-4).
Reflecting on this immense success, the current world No. 31 insisted on the now beneficial role played by his past ordeals in his current success: "I was calm when I stepped onto the court. You know, I've been through a lot of tough times over the last two years, and my whole body was in pain.
My shoulder, my hip, I felt like I was made of crystal... But in a way, it's been a blessing, because I've built myself up from there and I feel stronger than ever. I'm ready."