Queen’s 2024: Jack Draper beats Carlos Alcaraz in London – BBC Sport

This match-up was a tantalising prospect which instantly caught the eye when the draw was made at the weekend.

The Wimbledon champion versus Britain’s most promising hope.

Draper has made great strides over the past year, since coming back from the shoulder injury which ruled him out of the entire British grass-court swing last year.

Facing Alcaraz was a test of his progress – and he passed with flying colours.

Draper’s work in recent months to be more aggressive with his explosive game, and dominating his opponent in the rallies, was seen in a confident display.

His mentality was equally impressive. Draper looked composed and focused throughout, rising to an occasion which he relished without overexcitement compromising his execution.

“You have to go out there and honestly believe you can win the match – that’s what I did,” he said.

After sealing victory, Draper initially remained cool as he shook hands with Alcaraz but released his emotion seconds later with a huge leap into the air.

The passionate reaction of the Queen’s crowd showed their elation at seeing another British star emerge.

Draper’s development has been timely given the void which is set to be created by Andy Murray’s impending retirement.

Even Murray, who is set to retire from the sport later this year aged 37, has stoked the excitement by backing Draper to go “right to the top” of the sport.

“The more times you come through these tough moments, against great players like Carlos, the more you start to believe you can do things that you thought were impossible,” Draper added.

“The more times I come through these matches, the more I believe I can go to the top.”

With every significant step he takes in his career, interest in Draper continues to grow.

The left-handed Londoner has been well known in British tennis circles for a long time, through strong family connections and his eye-catching talent.

Draper’s mother Nicky – who the player credits as one of his biggest influences – is a coach and former junior champion, while father Roger was the chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association.

Draper first caught the attention of a wider British public with a run to the Wimbledon junior final in 2018.

After turning professional, he earned notable tour wins over top-10 opponents and took a set off Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2021.

But Draper’s progress was regularly hampered by fitness issues and retirements from matches.

Now, having dropped out of the top 100 last year, he is going from strength-to-strength and will be seeded at Wimbledon next month.

“In the last couple of weeks it’s starting to come together exactly at the right time when I want it,” he said.

“There is no place I’d rather be than here in London, here on the grass, playing in front of a home crowd. It feels amazing.”