‘Fueled my Fire’ – Jack Draper Brushes Aside Emma Raducanu’s Current Struggles to Heap Praise on Her Brave US Open Run
Jack Draper is leaving no stone unturned to become the fan favorite. Ahead of playing in the 2024 US Open semifinals, this Briton mentioned his pal Emma Raducanu‘s name in an honest confession. As the ATP star brings back memories of Raducanu’s epic Grand Slam victory run, the tennis fraternity beholds a beautifully blossomed friendship between two brilliant players.
Draper is all set to play in the ongoing US Open semifinals against Jannik Sinner. Previously, this Briton defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur by 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 in an impressive three-set match. Draper’s performance in the American Slam has impressed the fraternity as he reveals his source of inspiration.
In an interesting confession, Draper remembers Raducanu’s epic victory at the Slam in 2021. This WTA star’s debut Grand Slam title marks an important feat in the history of the sport since she is the only player to win a slam from the qualifiers, also winning it at 18, a feat last attained by Maria Sharapova in 2004.Taking notes from the Briton’s brilliance in the past, semifinalist Draper said, “Her winning, it was just really a fairytale run. I definitely think as a competitor, it fuelled my fire.”
“Her winning, it was just really a fairytale run. I definitely think as a competitor, it fuelled my fire.” – Jack Draper on Emma Raducanu winning US Open title as a qualifier.
— TENNISMEDIA (@luciahoff) September 5, 2024
While the ATP star revealed Raducanu as his inspiration, he also spoke nicely of the 2021 US Open winner revealing details of their friendship. “I’ve known her from a young age and to see what she did was incredible. I was very proud of her, very excited.” He also said he “really wanted to achieve what she’d done, winning a grand slam.”
Jack Draper’s compliment for Emma Raducanu proved their strong friendship. Raducanu had a moderate run this season. She couldn’t get past the second round of the season’s first Grand Slam. The Briton’s Indian Wells Masters also ended in the Round of 32. While she reached the quarterfinals in Stuttgart against Swiatek, she lost the round to the Polish.
Raducanu was declined a main draw wildcard in the French Open and her Wimbledon dream ended this year in the Round of 16. Wrist and ankle injuries have impacted this WTA star’s career this season. Despite that, her friend Draper still finds her journey inspirational.
Draper has always supported his long-time friend, to the point where fans now speculate the two to be dating. Recently, when Navratilova took a dig at Raducanu’s US Open victory, Draper came forward having his friend’s back.
Jack Draper supports Emma Raducanu after Martina Navratilova’s comment
Before last week when Raducanu lost to Sofia Kenin at the ongoing US Open’s first round, Navratilova questioned the Briton’s work ethic. Calling her “great” but “technically,” this former player said Raducanu “needs more matchplay.” She further said she doesn’t “think she (Raducanu) is as fit as she should be.”
However, Draper has a different opinion. Another British US Open semifinalist after Raducanu Draper believed the fraternity was judging his colleague too soon. “I think it’s important that people give her time to be on her journey and to improve physically and to put years of working to get back to that point,” he said. Draper’s statements could echo his admiration and respect for his Briton colleague.
Draper’s revelation about idealizing Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open run shows inspiration can come from anywhere. It says one can always seek success by admiring their close ones’ performances. The way Draper carefully admired Raducanu’s epic Grand Slam victory and improvised his playstyle, speaks a lot about his passion for the sport. If he persists in such positivity, he might achieve an unbelievable result in the semifinals against Sinner. Do you think he can make it?
