Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has revealed that British ace Zack Draper could play in all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2025.
Draper's dream of a fairytale life in New York was cut short after he suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Yannick Sinner in the semifinals on Friday.
The 22-year-old was hoping to become the first British man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Murray in 2016, but found the Italian world number one just too good to be true.
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Draper has been candid about his anxiety, describing himself as “a pretty anxious person.”
The Briton hopes the experience will help her in the future, with tennis great Navratilova joining the conversation, saying: Sky Sports Tennis He has a good chance of competing in all four major titles next year.
“I remember when I first played with Chris (Ebert) and Margaret Court, everything hit a little harder, a little deeper, a little closer to the sideline,” said the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion.
“I had to run more. My drop shots were shorter. Everything was better.
“This court is physically cumulative, but I just got caught up with him (Draper).
“If Jack can stay healthy next year, he'll be a talking point at every major. That's a huge plus.
“If he keeps playing like this, the sky's the limit.”
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Draper expressed optimism despite being knocked out in the semi-finals by Sinner.
Draper vomited several times during the game due to anxiety and nervousness.
“It was tough because she couldn't compete at her best physical level because of everything that was going on in her stomach and her brain,” Navratilova said.
“But he still held it together, he was there. Jack gave it absolutely his all and more.
“He looks really calm when he plays. He's incredibly calm. When he talks to us, he looks really comfortable.
“The anxiety, he has to let it out somehow because it can eat away at him and affect him. Something has to give way here, but you don't see it when he plays. He internalizes it so much.”
Draper expressed his feelings via social media on Saturday, saying he was “very proud” of the progress he's made under coach James Trautman.
“I gave everything I had yesterday, but it wasn't enough,” he said. “I'm very proud of the progress I've made with the team, but there's still a lot to improve and learn… That's a huge motivation for me! Congratulations to my good friend Jannik Sinner for everything you've done and good luck in the final!
“I also want to thank everyone for the support and messages I've received. It means a lot to me. I always keep moving forward.”
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Zack Draper and Yannick Sinner's US Open Semifinal Highlights
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Tim Henman answers your tennis-related questions!
What matches will be on Sky Sports Tennis in September?
- Jasmine Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (September 9-15)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (September 9-15)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (September 16-22 – Emma Raducanu in action)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (September 16-22)
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