Jack Draper is ready to push the envelope at the US Open, with his sights set on a first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal by winning the fourth-round match against Tomas Machac. But while he is ready to break barriers, there is something that Draper is not allowed to do throughout the last Grand Slam of the year. The Brit recently revealed that he couldn’t consume caffeine at the US Open. But why is that?

Well, Draper’s coach, James Trotman, has banned him from consuming caffeine during the US Open as part of a broader overhaul of his lifestyle. The young Brit is reaping the rewards of these changes, standing on the brink of his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Draper, who has risen to No. 25 in the world rankings, has himself credited these adjustments—including the caffeine ban—for his improved performance and fitness.

The 22-year-old stated, “My coach doesn’t want me taking too much caffeine. It sends me too far over. For now, it is de-caf cappuccino.” Carrying the mantle of British tennis following Andy Murray’s retirement, Draper is embracing the discipline needed to reach new heights in his career. He opened up about how the life of a tennis player is quite different, as they have to follow a strict routine to live up to the expectations on the court.

“I always was someone who liked to enjoy myself, enjoyed time at home, and maybe didn’t have a working mindset. Whereas the life of a tennis player is very different to that. I had to be a bit more lonely and make sure I’m doing all the right things for my warm-ups, my cooldowns, keeping my body fresh, my ice baths, my gym sessions. Since last year, I’ve definitely put my head down a lot more and just focused on myself and what’s important to me,” the Brit added.

As he gears up to face Tomas Machac in the fourth round, Draper sheds more light on how he has changed as a tennis player over the years.

Jack Draper talks about facing Tomas Machac 

The British number one secured a decisive victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on Saturday, winning in straight sets to match his best performance at a major. With a return to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, Draper has replicated his impressive run from last year.

Reflecting upon his US Open journey so far, Draper said, “I feel a really big opportunity if I stay injury-free. I don’t feel like I’m too far away. I’ve just got to keep working, and hopefully, over time the results will come as well and I can be right at the top of the game with those guys.”

The fact that Draper accepted the caffeine ban imposed by his coach, James Trotman, underscores his commitment to refining every aspect of his game. This strategic lifestyle change is not only aimed at addressing fitness challenges but also reflects Draper’s dedication to optimizing his performance on the Grand Slam stage.

With his sights set on advancing further in the US Open, Draper’s disciplined approach and adaptation to new routines could prove pivotal in his quest for success at Flushing Meadows. What are your thoughts on the caffeine ban imposed by Draper’s coach?