Draper’s rise over the previous yr has been stable and regular.
His first trophy got here on the Stuttgart grass in June final yr, adopted by an ATP 500 hard-court title in Vienna in October.
His run to the US Open semi-finals captured the eye of the broader British public, though his nerves had been illustrated by vomiting on court docket in a defeat by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Draper started seeing a “respiration coach” to assist clear up the difficulty, and he pointed to the best way he got here by means of the third set towards Alcaraz for instance of his improved composure.
“I had a number of doubts earlier than the Indian Wells ultimate questioning if would really feel the identical issues – however I did not,” he stated.
“I used to be actually robust and centered on my respiration and issues I may management. That is what I used to be actually happy with.”
The subsequent step from Masters champion is a logical one – turning into a Grand Slam champion.
Profitable Indian Wells is not any assure of future main success however as Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu have proven, coming by means of a 96-player area of the perfect opponents is a robust indicator.
Laborious courts have been Draper’s most profitable floor, however the subsequent two majors are on the French Open clay-courts and Wimbledon grass.
To this point he has struggled on clay, however his improved footwork ought to assist, whereas the more and more harmful serve and groundstrokes are suited to grass-court success.
“I nonetheless really feel I’ve rather a lot to show on the clay,” Draper added.
“I did not get it going final yr, however I do not see why I can not be pushing the perfect gamers on that floor.
“As for grass, I really feel my recreation has improved massively since final yr.”
