‘I Had the Sleeveless Top..’- 21-Year-Old Tennis Player Can’t Contain His Excitement Ahead of a Juicy Rafael Nadal Clash at 2023 Australian Open

Jack Draper, who is currently at his career-high ranking of 40, is to take on Rafael Nadal at the Rod Laver Arena tomorrow. For the 21-year-old Draper, this match comes not just with the pressure of standing across one of the best players in the world. In a candid interview with Telegraph, Jack shares what it is like to know that you will soon be facing “the Rafael Nadal”. However, he does not seem nervous in the least, which says a lot about how well he might have trained himself for this day.

Much like many other tennis enthusiasts, Draper too grew up watching Nadal. The man beats age to still be one of the fiercest forehands in tennis. However, Jack literally worshipped Nadal. Britain’s rising tennis icon shares what it was like- being a Nadal fan in his childhood. He also talks about his mental preparation before walking into the Rod Laver Arena tomorrow.

Jack Draper is not scared to face Rafael Nadal

Jack Draper is a believer. He believes he can beat Nadal tomorrow. Recalling his fanboy moments he says, “When I was younger,” I had the sleeveless top, the bandana on the head, all the latest grand-slam clothes [that Nadal would wear].” He mirrors the days of many tennis enthusiasts in the late 90’s and the early 2000’s.

Watching Rafa win the Grand Slams one after the other was surely a magnificent experience for all Rafa fans. He does not belittle Nadal’s legacy, nor does he underestimate the legend. He is simply confident about his game, and that is undoubtedly the best mindset a sportsman can have before a match.

Read more: Australian Open 2023 Lands in Controversy Already as Rafael Nadal Bashes Tournament for Making a Drastic Change

“There’s no denying he’s an iconic player, and what he’s done within the game is incredible.” Draper continues, “But I feel ready. Sometimes when you play great players, you go out and have a free hit and all this sort of stuff. I don’t want to do that. I want to go and compete hard and really play well and I want to go and win the match.”

Draper’s 2022

Justin Sherring, Draper’s former developmental coach said that most of his game revolves around Nadal’s style. Jack has also been determined about playing Rafa in a slam before the legend retires. Sherring is of the opinion that Draper has not just emulated Nadal’s strokes and angles, but also his ferociousness on court.

In the 2022 season, Draper turned many heads with his sensational matches. His performance in the Miami Open was a rewarding experience for Britain. He defeated both Tsitsipas and Augér-Aliassime and drew the spotlight on himself. He also faced Djokovic at the Wimbledon. Whether he will manage to live up to the expectations is what we will find out tomorrow.

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