Jack Draper aims to revive fortunes with new coach described as Roger Federer's nemesis as a player

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 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 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.