Jack Draper ‘confident’ in his fitness & tennis ahead of Australian Open

Despite the set-backs Draper has been putting in the work behind-the-scenes both on and off the court to ensure that he’s ready to go in the first round on Monday. The 23-year-old Briton has also had plenty of opportunities to train alongside the biggest names in the game this month – including three former world No.1s.

“The last two-and-a-half weeks have been really positive,” he explained. “I came out here a couple of weeks ago and have put in a lot of great preparation for my body and had some great hits as well. I feel really good about my tennis and there’s no reason why come Monday I can’t be playing some really good stuff.

“It was amazing to be on court with Andy (Murray) and Novak (Djokovic) especially. Jannik (Sinner) I hit with a couple of days ago. They just bring such a high quality to the match court as well – it’s great to be able to spar with that intensity, work ethic and everything they bring to the court. I was really happy to be able to play with them and get some good hits in.

“I wouldn’t be competing if I didn’t feel I could go 100%. I feel confident in my tennis, I definitely built a lot of belief at the end of last year. I feel confident coming here.”

Draper acknowledged that a lot has changed for him and his game in the last 12 months, but for 2025 he is just focused on continuing his good habits.

One of the biggest changes has been that he is coming into Grand Slams regularly as a seeded player, which in theory should help him with more favourable draws in the opening rounds, but the British star has been dealt a tricky first match in Australia against a top 50 opponent who he has played and beaten just once in Navone.

“I feel a lot more developed in myself, in my tennis,” Draper admitted. “I have a lot more experience and understanding of how I’m most effective on the court, especially at this level. I feel more calm in myself coming to these big events knowing my level is really high. I’ve improved my base level as well, which is important, I feel stronger and mentally in a good place.

“Being a seed you avoid a top 32 ranked player in the first round but I think the guy I’m playing on Monday is ranked 40 something – everyone at this level can play incredible tennis, I’m aware of that. It’s going to be a tough battle on Monday, I’m going to have to bring my best tennis.

“My tennis goal for this year is just to keep fulfilling my potential, to be consistent day in, day out. People like to put a lot ranking goals but I’m someone who it’s worked better in the past if I just know that I’m coming in and being consistent every day.”

Catch Draper and the rest of the British stars competing at the Australian Open from Sunday 12 January.