Jack Draper aims to revive fortunes with new coach described as Roger Federer's nemesis as a player
ATP
Jack Draper
has hired the "Roger Federer's nemesis," Wayne Ferreira, the South
African former world No. 6 who worked with Frances Tiafoe for 3 years.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the 22-year-old Briton hopes the coach will
"add a spark" to the coaching team.
Ferreira is one of the few players in history who can boast a favorable head-to-head record against Federer, with three matches played in 2021; the South African secured two victories and suffered one defeat.
There is a
fear that Draper, touted as one of the most highly regarded young stars, may
stagnate in his career, so Ferreira's appointment aims to take the young tennis
player to the next level. Ferreira previously guided Tiafoe from No. 80 to the
top 10, with whom he reached his first Grand Slam semifinals at the 2022 US
Open.
Draper aims to take his career to the next level
Draper has
consistently battled injuries that have prevented him from maintaining
consistency on the Tour. Back in 2022, with just a handful of appearances in
professional tournaments, Draper surprised by eliminating the world No. 6 Felix
Auger-Aliassime at the US Open, but he retired during the third round in a
closely contested match with Karen Khachanov.
In 2023,
the problems worsened, as he played tournaments sporadically throughout the
season, retired during Indian Wells while facing Carlos Alcaraz in the round of
16, and then missed the Miami Open. Later, he missed the Madrid Open, Rome
Open, and retired during the first round of the French Open against Tomas
Martin Etcheverry.
Draper Holds a Record of 12-9 in 2024 with Over $420,000 in Earnings
Draper also
missed Wimbledon and retired during a match with Tallon Griekspoor at
Winston-Salem Open. The Briton's highest historical ranking is world No. 37, but the
physical issues have hindered his progress, dropping him outside the top 100
and forcing him to compete in challenger tournaments to regain ground in the
rankings.
Currently
ranked world No. 43, Draper seems to have regained his status prior to the
injuries, although a couple of months ago he retired during the semifinals of
the Mexican Open against Alex De Minaur. Draper is guided by James Trotman of
the Lawn Tennis Association, who will continue to oversee the training.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
