Despite playing some of the best tennis of his career this season, Jack Draper may be due for an early exit at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, according to retired German tennis player Andrea Petkovic.
Draper won the biggest title of his career at the 2025 Indian Wells event, winning his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title after defeating the likes of Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz en route to the final. However, the British star suffered an opening round Miami Open loss at the hands of Czech star Jakub Mensik, who would go on to win the event by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final.
In an appearance on the Rennae Stubbs podcast, the former WTA World No.9 analyzed Draper's loss to Mensik, speculating that his performance was an indicator of his odds at Wimbledon.
"I think actually, I don’t know how he moves on clay but if he can figure that out,” began Petkovic. “He has that heavy forehand but he gets rushed, that was the problem against Mensik in Miami. I think who is the happiest about Mensik making the final? Jack Draper.
"He was like ‘Oh my God I win Indian Wells but lose first round’ but he lost to Mensik who ended up making the final, so that was not a bad lose at all. But Mensik has one of the best backhands down the line, like all Czech players do for some reason, and he rushed Jack’s backhand in general.
"He rushed Jack a few times into the forehand because he has this heavy spin, he needs to get under the ball, and you could see him a few times. They played on Grandstand which was so fast.
“So that’s why I think he will have more trouble at Wimbledon than other places, but do I think he can win a major title? Absolutely."
Draper has made three appearances at SW19, with his debut coming in 2021. However, the 23-year old has never been past the second round, but will hope to surpass his previous best at this year's edition.