Jack Draper makes emotional retirement admission at US Open after blistering Tomas Machac win
Jack Draper has emotionally revealed he nearly quit playing tennis after powering his way into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday
REUTERS
Jack Draper has emotionally revealed he nearly quit playing tennis after powering his way into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday.
The 22-year-old was superior to Tomas Machac in their showdown at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to make the last eight.
Draper has enjoyed a good year so far and is now just three victories away from emulating Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu in winning the tournament this century.
Murray lifted the title in 2012, while Raducanu secured glory three years ago.
Jack Draper has emotionally revealed he nearly quit playing tennis after powering his way into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday
REUTERS
Draper will go up against Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Wednesday.
And the Briton, speaking after his win, emotionally revealed he considered calling time on his tennis career due to injury issues.
“I’ve been through a lot the last few years,” said Draper.
“With injuries, there were times when I was going to stop playing tennis.
"I remember those moments all the time and they make new experiences easier for me.
“I feel confident in myself and I’ve got amazing people around me to support me and show me the way.
“I’ve always been lucky throughout my years to have amazing coaches and they have all been outstanding with me. As a player and a person, I wouldn’t be here without them.
“Justin Sherring, Ryan Jones and my coach now James Trotman. Everyone wants the best for me.
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"I know they have my best interests at heart and that’s tough to find in professional sport because there are a lot of people out there who are there for themselves.
“As an athlete playing an individual sport and with how relentless tennis is emotionally, it’s so important to have amazing people around you.”
Draper will need to be at his best to beat de Minaur.
The Australian beat Jordan Thompson to make the last eight of the tournament himself on Monday.
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US Open: Jack Draper will do battle with Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals of the competition
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But Draper can't wait for the quarter-final clash as he looks to etch his name into the history books.
"I just need to keep going," he said.
"I've got amazing people around me and I love playing here in New York with such amazing fans always getting behind and supporting the fans.
"I just go through it again.
US Open: Jack Draper is just three victories away from emulating Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu after his win over Tomas Machac
REUTERS
"I love playing on these big stages and look forward to coming out here on Wednesday."
Draper has lost all three of his previous meetings with de Minaur, with their most recent clash coming at the Mexcian Open back in March.