British No. 1 Jack Draper says he returns to Wimbledon this year a stronger and more mature player, as he continues his push for Grand Slam success. The 22-year-old faces Croatian veteran Marin Čilić in the second round, seeking to build on a breakout season that has seen him climb to No. 4 in the world rankings.
Draper, who fell to compatriot Cameron Norrie in straight sets at SW19 last year, believes the experience has shaped his growth both mentally and physically on the ATP Tour.
“I think the loss to Cam definitely really hurt me last year,” Draper admitted. “I felt like he played really well on the day, and I felt like it did get to me. The pressure I was putting on myself… I look back a year on and I feel a lot calmer in myself this year.”
Now regarded as Britain’s leading Grand Slam hopeful following Sir Andy Murray’s gradual transition from the spotlight, Draper has been cautious not to get swept up in the external expectations.
“I was thinking before the match, not particularly (feeling any added pressure),” he said after his first-round win over Argentina’s Sebastian Báez. “I kind of play every match like my life depends on it anyway. So all the stuff around it, I haven’t really thought of.”
He added: “It’s almost better when you’re in the tournament than before it. I was aware of the build-up, but my preparation has been really good and I feel confident.”
Draper is enjoying a stellar 2025 campaign, highlighted by his maiden Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in March. He has reached ATP finals on all three surfaces this season, including a runner-up finish on clay in Madrid. Yet, he admits he is still working to find his peak on grass.
“On the hard courts of the US Open or even on the clay this year, I think I’ve found my best level for what I can play right now,” he said. “I feel like I haven’t yet found that on the grass, but I feel like it’s coming. I’ve still got so much to unlock on grass—and I think that’s really exciting.”
Despite never having progressed beyond the second round at Wimbledon in three previous main-draw appearances, Draper insists he is better equipped now to handle the demands of five-set tennis and high-pressure moments.
“Last year was my first year on tour,” he reflected. “I was still figuring out a lot of things. When I came up against experienced guys, my weaknesses showed a bit. It was a chance to look at myself and mature. I realised that I needed to improve so much if I’m going to become a top player.”
Next up is a tricky tie against 36-year-old Čilić, the 2014 US Open champion and Wimbledon finalist in 2017. The Croatian returned to the top 100 after winning the Nottingham Open and made a confident start to his Wimbledon campaign with a straight-sets win over Raphael Collignon.
“In Nottingham, anyone who wins a Challenger on the grass before they come here, they’re feeling good,” said Draper. “It’s going to be a really tough challenge. I have huge respect for him. He’s a dangerous player, and I’ll need to play really well if I want to give myself a chance.”
A win would see Draper face either Hungary’s Fabian Marozsán or Spain’s Jaume Munar in the third round, as he continues his quest to become the first British men’s singles champion at Wimbledon since Murray’s triumph in 2016.