Draper, New Member of the Top 5: "No Matter My Ranking, I’ve Always Been the Same"

Author of a stellar start to the season, Jack Draper, who recently broke into the ATP top 5 for the first time, is establishing himself as an increasingly consistent threat in Masters 1000 events.

The Indian Wells champion, currently ranked 2nd in the Race standings, reached the final in Madrid just days ago and came close to claiming the title. Ultimately, he fell in three sets to Casper Ruud.

Before making his debut at the Rome tournament against Luciano Darderi, the 23-year-old Brit attended a pre-tournament press conference in the Italian capital and reflected on his changing status.

"There’s more attention on me now. I feel a bit more confident, calmer, and I approach tournaments believing I belong among the top-ranked players. I feel good—it’s a dream coming true. I’ve always feared a lot of things, especially my opponents.

People might say that’s being open and vulnerable, but for me, honestly, it’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s my greatest strength—knowing that when I step onto the court, I’ll fight with everything I’ve got on every ball, out of respect for all these guys.

No matter my ranking, I’ve always been the same. I’ve used fear and doubt to motivate myself to give my best in every match. Nothing changes, no matter my level.

Ranking is important, but at the same time, winning a Masters 1000, an ATP 500, an ATP 250, and reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam last year—those are things I can always fall back on when my confidence dips.

In those moments, I tell myself, ‘You’re a good player, Jack, don’t worry about it,’" he elaborated in an interview with Tennis Up To Date.