Draper's Rise

Could this be the year that Jack Draper finally lands that elusive first Slam?

Having come agonizingly close at Flushing Meadows last year, Draper played a dream tournament, not dropping a set throughout and only coming unstuck at the semi-final stage against a red-hot Jannik Sinner.

It was a gruelling match against the No.1 seed that saw him vomit three times, the mixture of heat, humidity and nerves managing to get the better of him.

It's not the first time a professional sportsman has had an attack of the yips. 

In 2021, Emma Radacanu withdrew from Wimbledon citing performance anxiety and breathing difficulties, quite rightly sparking a long overdue conversation about mental health in tennis.

Noami Osaka also withdrew from the French Open earlier that season for similar reasons and has spoken openly about the pressures of being a top ranked player.

Last year, former world number four Caroline Garcia ended her 2024 season early due to anxiety and panic attacks, seeking a reset to address her mental wellbeing.

Of course, tennis players are not alone. Other major sports stars have highlighted the pressures of performing at the highest level.

England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson has openly spoken about his struggles with anxiety at the height of his career. 

The great Harry Kane has also shone a spotlight on the issue, going on to launch the Harry Kane Foundation in order to help transform thinking around mental health. 

Despite the inherent stigma, it's refreshing to see great role models like these publicly share their mental struggles. 

Since his semi-final defeat in New York last year, Draper has sought professional advice to help overcome his anxiety issues. And it seems to be working...

Just earlier this month he pulled off his greatest achievement to date by claiming his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells. 

Draper's game, built on a powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, have quite rightly earned him comparisons to fellow Brit Andy Murray, but the question remains: Is he ready to make the leap to Grand Slam champion? 

Next up is Roland Garros but maybe Draper's biggest opportunity will come at Wimbledon, where familiar conditions and home support might prove to be the special sauce. A significant challenge, yes. But one, no doubt, he will rise to...

Henman Hill? Nah, what about Draper's Rise?