"I need to give everything": Jack Draper opens up about sacrifices he is making to reach very top in men's tennis

Britain’s Jack Draper has admitted that he questions himself at times for making the sacrifices to play the sport at the highest level. The 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the most talented players on the tour, is going through an impressive phase of his career.

Earlier this year, Draper lifted his maiden ATP 1000 title at the Indian Wells after beating Denmark’s Holger Rune in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2. The London-born is now edging closer to lifting his second ATP 1000 title as he cemented his spot in the semifinal of the ongoing Madrid Open after beating Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-4. Talking after the match, Draper admitted that at times, he questions himself for making the sacrifices to play at the highest level. He also stated that he understands that to reach the very top, he has to go through such phases.

“There’s no denying that in any professional sport, especially tennis, it’s so relentless,” he said in his post match interview. “We’re playing, we’re competing, we’re away from our families – we’re just sacrificing our lives. If you do this sport properly and give it everything every day, it’s tough, and I doubt myself every day. Can I keep going? If you want to be great, then these are the things you have to do. I don’t know how long I’ll play for. I don’t know if I’ll play till mid-30s. I’m just gonna try and make the best out of my career and hopefully try and fill my potential. I know that in order to do that, I need to give everything.”

Draper is now set to face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the last-four clash on Friday. The 23-year-old cemented his spot in the semifinal of the competition after beating Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in the quarterfinal in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3.