“It’s a dream come true for me,” said Jack Draper after a terrific battle against Alex De Minaur. The Briton emerged victorious in straight sets to enter his first Grand Slam semifinal. However, it’s not a lucky win for the World No.25. This has been long in the making, as he continued to prove his mettle throughout the US Open by claiming straight-set wins. Moreover, his gameplay caught the attention of the tennis legends, as Andre Agassi showered praise in the stands with former tennis player Marion Bartoli.

Jack Draper’s journey to the SF has been a cakewalk. And QF against Minaur was no different. The Aussie tennis star tried to put up a fight on the second set. However, Draper subdued all the effort and went on to claim the 3rd set with 6-2. While Draper was focused on the court, his skills enamored the high-profile spectators. Bartoli detailed Agassi’s praise for the Briton in INews on September 5th.

“I was sitting next to Andre Agassi in the players lounge watching his [Draper’s] match,” revealed Sky Sports expert Marion Bartoli. Praising Draper’s control over the ball, which was noticed by the tennis royalty (Agassi) himself. She said, “It was very interesting to have his perspective on Jack’s game and the fact he is able to move the ball around the court so well.” 

Agassi, who won the US Open in 1994 and 1999, displayed exceptional control over the ball. Since then, only a few have showcased this remarkable quality. Hence, being noticed by the legend, certainly works in Draper’s favor as he is set to face the World No.1, Jannik Sinner in the SF.

The scene might have turned out differently had the Briton known of the people in attendance. However, the win over Minaur means more than it meets the eye. Draper’s fitness was questioned when he had to strap his hamstring after the first set. But at the stage, Draper couldn’t afford any missteps despite challenges of breaking Minaur’s winning streak against him.

Draper said, “I played a solid match. I feel the best fitness-wise I’ve been in a long, long time and that’s where Alex has got me in the past.” This win and praise from Agassi would certainly boost his morale as he gets ready for the SF. But it also seems that Agassi might be rubbing off on Draper at the US Open. After a terrific ball game, the Briton copies his iconic style!

Jack Draper emulates Andre Agassi at the US Open after his QF win over Alex de Minaur

During his active years in professional tennis, Agassi experimented wholeheartedly with fashion. He brought tennis and fashion together, which certainly inspired the athletes to follow their hearts out on the court. And it seems Jack Draper took the inspiration to heart, as he brought Agassi’s “Nike Air Tech Challenge II ‘Hot Lava’,” which he debuted in 1989 back to the court. But in his style!

After claiming the win over Minaur, Draper hurriedly changed his shoes to the one worn by Agassi back in his time. However, the Britons would not wear them in court. Why? because they are difficult to slide in, on the court. “The thing with Nike is it is such an iconic brand that they have got so many throwbacks. This being the [Andre] Agassi [trainers from] back in the day. I don’t know how he moved with these shoes, honestly. I can’t imagine sliding in these. Unbelievable shoes and I brought them out,”– he remarked.

Jack Draper’s entry into the SF at the US Open is a treat for British tennis fans, as after a decade long wait they have found someone to carry on Andy Murray’s legacy. However, he needs to get past the Italian wall to make it to the finals of the Grand Slam.