Britain’s Jack Draper says he can take it to the next level at the US Open after beating Alex de Minaur to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.
The 22-year-old, who has not yet lost a set in New York, won 6-3, 7-5 and 6-2 against the 10th-seeded Australian.
He will now play in the semifinals on Friday against either world number one Jannik Sinner or 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev.
“This doesn’t happen to me overnight,” said the number 25 seed.
“I felt like my level was solid today, there were some signs of really good things.
“If I’m put under pressure, I’ll have to complete a few more levels.”
Draper is the first Briton to reach the men’s singles semi-finals at Flushing Meadows since Andy Murray in 2012 – when Murray won the title.
He was highly regarded from a young age – reaching the junior final at Wimbledon and winning a set against Novak Djokovic on his Grand Slam debut as a 19-year-old at SW19 – but missed large parts of the 2023 season through injury as his body struggled to adapt to life on tour.
“Last year was a real turning point for me,” Draper said.
“When I was suffering my injury setbacks, I got to watch all these young, great players winning great tournaments and playing on the biggest stages in the world.
“I felt like I just wasn’t doing enough to get myself to this point.
“For a long time I believed that I had done the work needed to be done and the right things, and I knew my time would come.”
“Walking through an empty stadium helped me”
Draper was treated by the physiotherapist in the second set, while De Minaur also seemed to be hampered by an injury.
The Briton said he called the coach after “feeling something in his leg” on set point in the first set, but played down the matter.
“I was a little worried at the time, but I played two sets on it,” he said.
“I noticed that his demeanor was maybe a little bit subdued, he had some kind of injury, but I still felt it was a tough game.”
Although it was his first appearance in a major quarterfinal and his first time playing in the 24,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium, he said he felt no nerves when serving the match.
His celebrations were also restrained: Draper carefully rearranged his things rather than being overwhelmed by his emotions.
“Honestly, there was no nervousness,” Draper told Sky Sports.
“After I got over the hurdle of the second set, I felt confident.”
Draper said his previous experience playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon – coupled with early morning walks around the cavernous Ashe Arena before the crowds arrive – helped him cope with the situation.
“It’s a ritual for me every morning because I train so early,” Draper said.
“I went and looked around when it was empty.
“I went out there not knowing I was going to play, but I watched it because it’s one of the most iconic stages in the sport.
“I think that helped me get used to it today.”
Draper is currently ranked 25th in the world and became British number one in June before defeating French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s in another key moment of his career.
Against De Minaur, he remained remarkably calm during and after the match, given the importance of the occasion.
“He’s maturing and understanding that he can’t burn all his energy and emotions right from the start,” added his coach James Trotman.
“It’s just a sign that he’s becoming more and more comfortable on this stage and playing with the best players in the world.”
