Jack Draper is fit and ready to lead the British challenge at Wimbledon this year and make Centre Court his stronghold. And the world No.4 believes he can beat any opponent on the grass at his home Grand Slam. There will be 23 British singles players in Friday’s draw – the most since 1984.
“It feels amazing,” said the British No.1. “A lot of British players, a lot of British talent. I think it is really exciting for the British public to have so many good people in the draw from this country. I am looking forward to going out there and competing hard. I think it is a great opportunity for us all. I feel good. I feel strong, I feel ready.”
Being No.4 seed will see Draper avoid world No.1 Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz until the semi-finals. He added: “Can I beat anyone? Yeah. Whoever I play against I have the utmost respect for.
“They’re in the draw for a reason, they’re going to be dangerous, they’re going to want to come out and swing against a guy who’s a home player and who’s highly ranked, and they’ve got nothing to lose. So I know whoever I play in the first round is gonna be an incredibly tough match but I’ll be ready for that.
“I respect everyone. I know everyone can play great, but so can I. So I take that into my matches. I think grass is a surface that really suits my game.”
This will be the first Wimbledon for 20 years without Andy Murray in the field and the British public is looking for a new hero. Speaking after beating Holger Rune at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club, the US Open semi-finalist said: “I think the home support that I’m going to have and people right behind me is going to be amazing.
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“It’s going to be a privilege to play as the British No. 1 and that’s what I’ve always wanted, I’ve wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment, and I’m looking forward to hopefully starting that.
“So I’m really excited to go out there to compete. Full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I’m going to be playing on the courts that I wanted to play on since I was young, watching Murray, watching all these great players perform out there and it feels amazing to know that.
“It’s sinking in that I’m there now and so I’ve got the chance to show people what I can do and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do.”
Emma Raducanu, who has insisted she will play Wimbledon “regardless” of her back injury, will hit on Court No.1 for 45 minutes today (Fri) with former champion Elena Rybakina.