"He has the makings of a Grand Slam winner": Mats Wilander compares Jack Draper to Nadal and Murray after Roland Garros victory

The seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander compared Jack Draper to Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in his playing style after a convincing victory at Roland Garros over João Fonseca (6-2, 6-4, 6-2). The world No. 5 is preparing for his first-ever appearance in the fourth round of the French Open against Alexander Bublik.

It has been a remarkable year for Draper, who, since late 2024, has shown he was ready to claim a spot among the Tour's elite. The Brit secured his first Masters 1000 title this season at Indian Wells and has maintained consistency, placing himself in the top-4 of the ATP Race.

Wilander spoke in a recent interview with L'Equipe, commenting that he sees Draper's playing style closer to that of Spanish clay-court specialists. The Swede considered that his forehand reminds him of Rafael Nadal, while his backhand is closer to that of Andy Murray.

"If I didn't know he was English, I would place him in the tradition of great specialists from Spain. He doesn't remind me of a particular player, but if his forehand, already completely crazy against Gaël (Monfils) in the second round, reminds me of Rafa, his slightly flatter backhand is close to that of Andy (Murray)," Wilander stated.

He also compared Draper's serve to that of former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro, one of the most powerful players in recent ATP Tour history. "His serve, which he can kick, slice or hit flat, is comparable to that of (Juan Martín) Del Potro, left-handed (...)," he added. "That's why I keep saying he has the makings of a Grand Slam winner."

"I don't know if it will happen this year but it doesn't seem that far off. In the next five years, I see him with at least one Major. So it's not surprising that he has outclassed João Fonseca in power, who is still a little soft in his movements."

Draper will face Alexander Bublik in the fourth round starting this Monday, one of the surprises in the second week of the French Open. The Kazakh – who has not achieved great results on clay courts throughout his career – appears rejuvenated on the surface. It won't be an easy match, although Draper emerges as the favorite against one of the great talents on Tour.