The young Brit has gone through a remarkable body transformation to compete at the top of the men’s game. He is sporting a bulkier physique at the US Open, having pushed beyond his limits in the gym and on the practice courts.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Draper said: “I have worked incredibly hard to improve my physicality on the court. I think part of it is my genetics and growing into a bit more of a man’s body. I think that took me a long time.
“I have started to really enjoy improving in the [gym] aspect. Before I didn’t really want to push myself. I didn’t really want to feel strong almost, but I feel great in myself now and I understand the benefits it has on the match court and on these big stages.”
Draper recently underwent a training block in London, having missed the Toronto Open and Cincinnati Open due to an arm injury. He is hoping to feel the benefits of his hard work when it comes to reaching the next level on the court.
He explained that he has been ‘shocking’ his body on a vertical cardio climber, a full-body workout machine which is hailed as one of the most effective methods to burn fat and calories.
“I’ve been leaving no stone unturned,” said Draper. “I’ve been doing a lot of leg strength, a lot of cardio work and a lot of versa-climber.
“Ultimately, I’m doing stuff where you’re shocking your body all the time and working it as hard as possible to get the best gains.”
Draper is motivated by the prospect of beating Sinner and Alcaraz to Grand Slam titles, with the pair having emerged as the dominant players of the next generation.
“I don’t want to feel like we are just letting them win titles,” he added. “I want to keep going after them, keep on improving, and hopefully soon be competing with them.”
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