Getting Through Groundhog Day: How Jack Draper Became Masters Champion

Jack Draper Journey to Becoming a Masters Champion

Jack Draper’s rise in the tennis world has been anything but easy. From battling injury setbacks to dealing with the mental pressures of top-tier tennis, Draper’s journey has often seemed like a cycle of “Groundhog Day” – pushing through the daily grind, facing challenges, and constantly working towards his goals. However, after winning the biggest title of his career at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters, Draper has broken free from the cycle of doubt that had previously followed him. Now, as the British number one and ranked in the world’s top 10 for the first time, Draper has proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest levels of tennis.

Overcoming Injury and Building Mental Toughness

Indian Wells: How Jack Draper got through ‘groundhog day’ to become Masters 1,000 champion

Jack Draper’s year began on a difficult note at the Australian Open, where he was forced to retire from his match against Carlos Alcaraz due to a hip injury. At the time, many questioned whether Draper’s body could handle the demands of top-level tennis. With a history of injury concerns, doubts began to creep in about whether Draper would ever be able to perform consistently on the ATP Tour. Despite these questions, Draper showed immense mental and physical resilience.

During his match with Alcaraz, Draper had already endured three gruelling five-set matches, showcasing his growing durability. However, his hip tendonitis ultimately caught up with him, forcing his retirement from the match. This injury issue would become a defining challenge for Draper, and it was clear that managing his physical health would be key to his success moving forward. Draper admitted that he would need to manage his hip condition throughout the rest of his career, which forced him to make tough decisions about his schedule and workload.

Following the Australian Open, Draper made the wise decision to skip the Davis Cup tie against Japan and withdraw from the tournament in Rotterdam in February. This strategy allowed him to rest and recover properly. Draper’s next appearance on the tour came in late February, where he reached the final of the Qatar Open. That run marked the beginning of what would become a breakthrough moment in his career at Indian Wells.

Tactical and Technical Evolution

Indian Wells: How Jack Draper got through ‘groundhog day’ to become Masters 1,000 champion

When Jack Draper returned to the tour, it was clear that his time away from the court had been well spent. His technical game showed signs of improvement, and he was more focused than ever on imposing his strengths on his opponents. His coach, James Trotman, who has worked with Draper since he was a teenager, emphasized the importance of playing to Draper’s natural strengths: dominating with his weapons and taking control of the match.

At Indian Wells, Draper’s serve became a major weapon. He mixed dangerous, swinging deliveries out wide with flatter, more pacy serves to keep his opponents guessing. This consistency on serve laid the foundation for the rest of his game. Draper’s forehand, once a solid but somewhat predictable shot, evolved into a more dynamic stroke, loaded with spin and variation, which kept his rivals on the back foot. His improved footwork also allowed him to extend rallies and be more patient, working the points to his advantage.

This blend of powerful serving, a refined forehand, and quick movement helped Draper excel on the hard courts of Indian Wells, where he captured his first Masters 1000 title. It was a complete performance that showcased how far Draper had come since the injury struggles at the start of the season.

The Influence of “Team Murray”

Although Andy Murray has shifted his focus to working with Novak Djokovic, Draper’s connection to Murray’s team has played a crucial role in his development. Draper now works closely with key members of Murray’s former team, including physiotherapist Shane Annun and fitness coach Matt Little. These additions have had a significant impact on Draper’s fitness and mental resilience, two areas where he had previously struggled.

Two years ago, Draper found himself frustrated by the label of “the guy who got injured all the time.” But now, with a dedicated focus on fitness and strength training, Draper’s body has become more robust, allowing him to stay healthy and compete regularly on the ATP Tour. His improved physical condition has translated into better results, propelling him to the top of the rankings.

As Draper himself noted, the life of a professional tennis player can often feel like “Groundhog Day.” He spends hours on the court, in the gym, and even in the ice bath at the end of long days. While the routine can be monotonous, Draper has embraced the process, understanding that the hard work will eventually pay off on the biggest stages. His perseverance and commitment to his fitness have paid dividends, allowing him to thrive when it matters most.

Winning Indian Wells: A Springboard to Grand Slam Success?

Jack Draper’s victory at the Indian Wells Masters represents a major milestone in his career, but it is also an important stepping stone towards future Grand Slam success. While winning a Masters 1000 event does not guarantee a Grand Slam title, history has shown that players who win in Indian Wells often go on to achieve great things at the sport’s biggest events. Champions like Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka, and Bianca Andreescu have all used Indian Wells as a launching pad for their Grand Slam careers.

Draper’s win at Indian Wells is a testament to his growing belief in his abilities and his potential on the ATP Tour. While he has made huge strides, there is still much work to be done. His first Grand Slam success could be just around the corner, but the road to the top is far from easy. Draper has already shown that hard courts are his most successful surface, but his next challenge will come on clay and grass, where he has had less success in the past.

“I still feel I have a lot to prove on the clay,” Draper said, reflecting on his past struggles on the surface. “I didn’t get it going last year, but I don’t see why I can’t be pushing the best players on that surface.” His improved footwork, combined with a dangerous serve and solid groundstrokes, will be crucial for his chances on both clay and grass in the coming months.

Draper’s confidence in his game has grown significantly over the past year. He pointed to his improved mental composure, particularly during his run to the Indian Wells final. “I was really strong and focused on my breathing and things I could control,” Draper explained. “That’s what I was really proud of.” With this newfound mental toughness, Draper is better equipped to handle the pressure of the biggest tournaments and push for his first Grand Slam title.

Looking Ahead: Can Draper Become a Grand Slam Champion?

As Jack Draper continues to climb the ATP rankings and rack up titles, the next logical step is to challenge for a Grand Slam. The young Briton has the tools and the mindset to succeed at the highest levels of the game. With his powerful serve, refined forehand, and strong fitness base, Draper is more than capable of competing against the best players in the world. His victory at Indian Wells is just the beginning, and fans will be watching closely to see if Draper can carry this momentum into the Grand Slam tournaments ahead.

While the road to Grand Slam glory may be long, Draper’s win at Indian Wells marks a significant turning point in his career. With his improved physical and mental game, combined with a determined work ethic, Draper has shown that he is ready to take the next step and become a major force in the world of tennis.