"It's not the most natural surface for someone from the UK" - Jack Draper gets candid about his chances during the clay court season

British star Jack Draper won the biggest title of his career at the 2025 Indian Wells tournament, but has tempered his expectations for the European clay court season, which kicks off with the ongoing Monte-Carlo Masters.

The 23-year old scored two top-five victories en roue to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, defeating 2024 US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz and former World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz en route to the final. Draper would beat Danish star Holger Rune in dominant fashion, adding his name to the history books as a champion in the desert.

The British No.1 is scheduled to compete at the Monte-Carlo Masters, which kicked off this week. Despite finally breaking into the top 10, Draper remains cautious regarding his outlook during the European clay court season. The London native claims the red dirt is not his preferred surface, which is a mindset shared by many athletes from the United Kingdom.

"I think it's not the most natural surface for someone from the UK but I feel like I can be very effective on it," said Draper during his pre-tournament interview in Monte-Carlo. "The most challenging thing is you have to work a little bit harder for the points, it's more physical.
"But all those things in my game, progressing all the time. I'm really looking forward to seeing how I am on the courts this year, I'm looking forward to that challenge."

Draper will face American Marc Giron in the second round on Tuesday, after receiving an opening round bye.