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.