British tennis sensation Jack Draper has been making waves on the ATP circuit, and his recent triumph at the Erste Bank Open has caught the attention of legendary coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Mouratoglou, who has worked with the likes of Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, has praised Draper's maturity and believes the 22-year-old has the potential to reach the top echelons of the sport.

Draper's Ascent: A Disciplined Approach to Greatness

Maturing Game, Maturing Mindset

Mouratoglou has been impressed by the strides Draper has made in his game, noting that the young Briton's approach has become much more "mature" in recent times. The coach highlights Draper's clear game plan and disciplined style of play as key factors in his success, particularly in his recent victory in Vienna. Mouratoglou emphasizes that Draper's level of play is now consistently high, rather than him playing "out of his mind" on a given day.

Backhand Transformation

One of the most notable improvements in Draper's game, according to Mouratoglou, has been the development of his backhand. The coach observes that Draper's backhand is now a much more potent weapon, with the player able to "hurt players a lot" with his flat and early-taken shots. This transformation has been a crucial factor in Draper's rise, as he now possesses a more well-rounded and dangerous arsenal.

Discipline and Dedication

Mouratoglou also highlights Draper's increased discipline and dedication as key to his progress. The young player has made conscious decisions, such as leaving his phone off during practice and cutting out caffeine, in order to optimize his chances of competing with the best players in the world. This level of commitment and focus has been instrumental in Draper's development, as he continues to refine his game and mentality.

Belief and Potential

Mouratoglou believes that Draper's self-belief is a significant asset, noting that the current generation of players, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, have a different mindset compared to the previous era dominated by Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. The coach suggests that Draper and his peers feel they can challenge for the top honors, which is a crucial factor in their pursuit of success.

Injury Concerns and Consistency

While Mouratoglou is highly optimistic about Draper's potential, he acknowledges that the young player's ability to stay injury-free will be a crucial factor in his continued progress. The coach emphasizes that consistency will be key for Draper as he looks to challenge the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz for major titles and climb the rankings.

A New Generation of Talent

Mouratoglou believes that the current landscape of men's tennis is characterized by a highly competitive and talented pool of young players, with Draper being one of the standouts. The coach suggests that this new generation is not intimidated by the achievements of the previous era, and they are driven to carve out their own legacies. Draper's success is a testament to the depth and quality of this emerging talent pool.