"You can tell": Former Wimbledon champion highlights one change about Jack Draper at Rome Open

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli shared one thing that she noticed about Britain’s Jack Draper. The 23-year-old, who is already regarded as one of the most talented players on the tour, is currently taking part in the ongoing Rome Open.

The ATP 1000 event is approaching its business end, and the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize. Draper recently cemented his spot in the round of 32 after beating Italy’s Luciano Darderi in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

Former world number seven Bartoli spoke to Sky Sports while Draper was practising. She noticed that the crowd had started to know the British tennis star, and this can be seen from the crowd's reaction in the arena.

“You can tell everyone is starting to know him as well because as soon as he walked on court and dropped his bag on the chair, you just had that massive roar from all the crowd,” she said. “A lot of young fans as well were waiting eagerly to get an autograph at the end of his practice with their ball waiting to have it signed. It’s just great to see all the excitement around Jack. I think Jack has been doing an amazing job of capitalising from Jannik Sinner being away from a few tournaments and especially Masters 1000. When you have a small opening in the draw you have to take your chance and he did. In Indian Wells, winning the final, in the final of Madrid, its just all those great wins at such a big event that help you jump into another category of player.”

Draper is now set to face Vit Kopriva in the round of 32. The 27-year-old cemented his spot in the third round after beating Argentina’s Sebastian Baez with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.