"Will go down as one of the greatest of all time": Jack Draper marvels at Andy Murray stat as he aims for his own US Open dream

Jack Draper has called Andy Murray reaching the second week of 26 consecutive Grand Slams 'ridiculous' and 'mind blowing' as he lauded his compatriot as one of the greatest of all time.

Draper will aim to blaze his own trail as he faces off against Tomas Machac on Monday after reaching the fourth round for a second time in a row. Reaching the second week himself, it will be a longtime until he emulates Murray.

Starting at the 2011 Australian Open, Murray got to at least the same stage every time until the 2017 US Open. A span of six years.

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“It is ridiculous. Andy in my opinion will go down as one of the greatest players of all time. And that's exactly why," said Draper.

“It's all good and well doing something once or twice, but you achieve greatness when you're consistent and Andy's one of those guys who is incredibly consistent, making finals and statistics that are just mind-blowing.

"Same with` Novak Djokovic and those other guys. When I do think of Andy, a lot of people think of his big successes, but the fact he was so consistent and even making fourth round in a Grand Slam, final, quarter finals, it's a huge achievement because you're putting your mind and body through so much.

“It's tough out there, it's hot, it's long matches, it's great opponents. I'm full of respect and admiration for Andy, and I suppose there's a reason why his body has taken a toll because he's obviously had that consistency and put his mind and his body through so much.

“He's obviously gone on to achieve amazing things as well. I have that in mind that if I can just keep on going and keep on pushing myself, then I'm going to be hopefully having the type of successes that he's had.”

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With Alcaraz and Sinner both out too, Draper senses a huge opportunity. But t doesn't just stem to this tournament.

“I feel a really big opportunity if I stay injury free and if I keep working hard on my body and having the experiences that I'm having playing week in week out, I'm full of confidence that I will be able to get to that top level,” he said.

“It's just kind of making sure I'm doing all the right things for my mind and my body and being as professional as possible, because my game's there. I'm working hard all the time to be better, and don't feel like I'm too far away.

“So I have just got to keep working, and hopefully over time that level will come and the results will come as well and I can be right at the top of the game with those guys.”

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Jack Draper bids to reach his first ever Grand Slam quarter-final on Magic Monday in New York 🤩

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