"Probably feeling really tired and emotionally drained": Jack Draper 'not surprised' about Alcaraz and Djokovic shock US Open exits
ATP
Jack Draper is through to a Last 16 clash with Tomas Machac at the 2024 US Open something which Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz couldn't achieve.
But it is something that Draper is not shocked at for a reason. The British rising hope admits that no doubt the long season coupled with the Olympic Games final for both has taken it out of them.
By comparison, Jannik Sinner who did not play the Olympics despite injury fears has looked miles better at times and remains the favourite for the title. In comparison to Djokovic and Alcaraz who lamented poor displays after falling to Alexei Popyrin and Botic van de Zandschulp.
“It is obviously weird but I think both of them obviously played the Olympic final. I think that’s taken a lot out of them,” Draper said.
“It’s taken a lot out of everyone, but they obviously made the finals, and it was emotional for both of them. Obviously Novak, that was probably his biggest goal, and to come through that is obviously emotionally challenging to sort of have a rest and then come here.
“Same with Carlos as well. He’s achieved so much this year, winning the French and Wimbledon. I’m not surprised that they’re probably feeling really tired and emotionally a bit drained.”
He added: “But I watched both the matches, and I thought Botic played an incredibly high level of tennis against Alcaraz.
“Even Popyrin last night, he won Montreal. I watched the opening two sets before I went to bed. I didn’t honestly feel like Djokovic was playing incredibly badly. Maybe his serve was a bit below par, but I felt like Popyrin played an incredible match as well.
“There’s a lot of players on the tour at the moment who are really dangerous and on their day can play an amazing match against the best players in the world.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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