"Our actual culture for tennis isn't huge in the UK": Jack Draper hopes he and Emma Raducanu can change status quo

Jack Draper produced another epic win as he has downed Joao Fonseca, Jenson Brooksby and Taylor Fritz in the past few days at Indian Wells. He now awaits a certain Ben Shelton next round.

Draper has been the standout British tennis player on the men's side since Andy Murray retired and he hopes he and Emma Raducanu can anchor the next generation of top players. Despite having a Grand Slam, he said other countries have it better in terms of their tennis culture.

"I'd say our actual culture for tennis isn't huge in the UK. Obviously other tennis nations, you know, I think have it better with Italy and Spain and France," Draper said during his post-match press conference in Indian Wells on Wednesday.

"They love tennis a lot more than we do as a nation, but I think, you know, hopefully with what's to come with the grass and hopefully players like myself and Emma and other top players coming through that we can really put on a good show and inspire a lot of people to play."

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He also believes he is playing some of the best tennis of his career. He said that amid all the stop start injury issues, he is now back to his best.

“100%. I was building some amazing stuff at the end of last year. I was moving great. Playing great. Seeing the ball very well. I had a little break at the start of the year when I was injured. But now all those problems.. with the way I’ve adjusted my schedule and all these types of things.. has really helped me. I’m really happy with the way me and my team have worked and gotten through some tough times recently. The hard work is paying off.”

But that he is now looking forward to playing Ben Shelton who he lauded. A real popcorn clash between two of the best players from the next generation and will be one of the standout clashes on Thursday.

“I’m very excited for that matchup. I haven’t played Ben. He’s an amazing young talent like myself. He brings such an energy to the court, to the changing room. He’s one of the nicest guys around. I really am gonna enjoy that matchup. I’m looking forward to getting out there and competing on this court another time.”

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