Jack Draper: How British player became US Open semi-finalist

For so long, Andy Murray was the undisputed king of British tennis – but for much of his career, there was no obvious heir.

Draper put himself in contention when he took a set off Novak Djokovic on his Wimbledon debut in 2021, but injuries and fitness issues over the next couple of years threatened to derail his progress.

However, he has returned to full fitness in 2024 and during his final Wimbledon, Murray was effusive in his praise of his Davis Cup team-mate.

“Jack’s definitely got the ability to go right to the top of the game,” Murray said.

“He’s a really exciting player to watch and I think he’s got a big future.”

While a second-round exit at SW19 followed, Draper’s run in New York shows why he is so highly thought of by Murray.

And Draper’s comments about Murray after his fourth-round win over Machac in New York show the feeling is mutual.

“I miss being next to his stinky shoes and all his stinky clothes,” Draper said.

“But Andy’s a legend and if I have half the career he’s had then I’ll be a happy man.”

Draper’s success so far means he follows 2012 champion Murray, 1997 runner-up Greg Rusedski and 2004 semi-finalist Tim Henman as British men who have reached the singles final four during the Open era in New York.