Jack Draper has shared the advice he received from his new super-coach after earning another big win.
The British No. 1 is hoping to follow in Andy Murray’s footsteps and take over the mantle in British men’s tennis.
And he proved that he has what it takes after he stormed back to upset No. 9 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Cincinnati Open.
Draper rallied from a set down to force a decider against 11-time title winner Tsitsipas on Thursday night. Tsitsipas served for the match at 5-4 in the final set but the Brit held his nerve and won the last three games, coming through 3-6 6-4 7-5.
The 22-year-old has been joined by Wayne Ferreira in Cincinnati. The South African previously guided Frances Tiafoe into the top 10. Draper hired him earlier this season and Ferreira is on duty this week instead of his usual coach James Trotman. And Draper discussed their “incredible” link-up after the match.
“Having Wayne come on board and giving all his advice. Getting to number six in the world and coaching Francis to being in the top 10. I think he has incredible value,” the world No. 28 told Tennis Channel.
Ferreira has been focused on one thing – making Draper an aggressive player. After a tough clay-court season, the renowned coach helped the Brit change his approach and there were immediate results as Draper won his first career title in Stuttgart before beating Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s.
The British No. 1 added: “His message to me is I’ve got to be more aggressive. I’ve got to try and take more risk, be the one to force the play because, at the end of the day, I think tennis is going in that way where everyone’s a lot more aggressive now.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk