Jack Draper opens up on ‘weird’ Australian Open experience involving Andy Murray
British No.1 Jack Draper insisted he will be able to go “100 per cent” at the Australian Open despite a pre-season disrupted by a hip injury.
The US Open semi-finalist had to cancel a training block with Carlos Alcaraz before Christmas and then pulled out of the United Cup in Sydney. The world No.15 has not played a competitive match since the Paris Masters back in October.
“That’s what happens sometimes in sport. The last two-and-a-half weeks have been really positive. I’ve had some great hits as well, so I feel really good about my tennis. Yeah, there’s no reason why, come Monday, I can’t be playing some really good stuff. I am always anxious before matches – that is part of what makes me love tennis. That thrill to compete and the doubts. It is a real mental battle for any player.
“It’s not ideal obviously preparation and everything,” admitted the big left-hander. “I had to miss a fair bit of my pre-season, the time when I wanted to sort of rebuild my body for this coming year.
