Jack Draper route to Wimbledon 2025 final: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner lie in wait
The Brit is unbeaten against the world no38, beating him twice. Their first encounter came on the Monte Carlo clay in 2023, where Draper came through 6-3 7-5, and the second was at last year's Adelaide International, with Draper victorious 6-1 6-3 on the Australian acrylic. They have never played each other on grass.
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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From hunky Jack Draper to Emma Raducanu – the who-to-watch guide for Brit Wimbledon hotshots hoping to win big at SW19
We serve up a selection of them before the action starts at SW19 on Monday LOVE ALL OF THEM From hunky Jack Draper to Emma Raducanu – the who-to-watch guide for Brit Wimbledon hotshots hoping to win big at SW19 TENNIS fans will hope Jack is nimble – and quick – as our latest Wimbledon hope takes to the court. World No4 Jack Draper, 23, whose looks have won him a Burberry modelling deal, has a serious shot at the title. 17 Emma Raducanu hopes to go deep into the tournament after a recent return to form Credit: Getty On the ladies' side, former US Open champ Emma Raducanu, 22, hopes to go deep after a recent return to form. There are 23 Brits in the singles – 13 men and ten women – which is the most since 1984. Mike Ridley serves up a selection of them before the action starts at SW19 on Monday. Hannah Klugman, 16 - GB No17, world No577 STAR-in-the-making Hannah will feel right at home – as her family live in Wimbledon village in South West London, not far from the All England club. The youngest of four sisters, she excelled at all sports and only plumped for tennis after the Covid pandemic. 17 Hannah Klugman was the first Briton to make the final in Paris since Michele Tyler in 1976 Credit: Alamy At 14, Hannah gave up going to school and did her GCSE studies online. Earlier this month, that decision already looked to have been a good one as she became a junior Grand Slam runner-up at the French Open. She was the first Briton to make the final in Paris since Michele Tyler in 1976 and experts are now marking her out for big things – and she already has experience of a grand stage. Sun tennis writer Rob Maul says: 'There are three British female teens in the draw [also Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, and Mimi Xu, 17]. She is already impressive, and she is part of the future for Wimbledon.' British world No719 qualifies for Wimbledon but is BANNED from claiming £66,000 prize money Katie Boulter, 28 - GB No2, world No41 LEICESTER CITY fan Katie Boulter has never got as far as the second week of a grand slam tournament – despite being Britain's No2. On her day, statuesque Katie can upset the form book but experts reckon she is perhaps a little too inconsistent to be among the game's elite. 17 Katie Boulter has never got as far as the second week of a grand slam tournament – despite being Britain's No2 Credit: News Group Newspaper Ltd 17 Katie is engaged to Aussie world No11 Alex de Minaur after dating him for about three years Credit: Instagram She is engaged to Aussie world No11 Alex de Minaur after dating him for about three years. The couple have date nights during tournaments, which they post about on social media. Alex, 26, was born in Sydney then trained for years in Spain. But while Alex was unsure whether to play for Spain or Australia at the Olympics, before choosing the former, Katie was famously pictured in 2018 cheering on England's World Cup footballers. Katie, who has suffered many injuries over the years, including a stress fracture of the back, is very close to her grandparents who live in the East Midlands where she grew up. She also appreciates going out with a man who understands the pressures of the game. Emma Raducanu, 22 - GB No1, world No38 ONE of the most scrutinized female athletes in world sport and one of the most famous. As Britain's No1, the whole country will be rooting for her during the championships. 17 Carlos Alcaraz has been romantically linked to Emma Credit: PA And amid rumour of a romance with Spanish world No2 Carlos Alcaraz – who at 22 has won five grand slams including two Wimbledons – he will surely be keeping an eye on her matches. Will former US Open winner Emma rediscover that old magic, on the back of promising recent results? Or will she be affected by news that the stalker who reduced her to tears in Dubai in February tried to get tickets for this year's Wimbledon, only to be red-flagged and denied. She will be grateful organisers had beefed up security but all eyes will be on her game. If she can overcome those worries and avoid injury, Emma could go a long way. Whatever happens, there will be plenty of drama. Jodie Burrage, 26 - GB No7, world No164 SHE missed Wimbledon last year through injury, so hopes her luck will change. But judging by a bizarre event that happened at the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Eastbourne this week, she might wonder. 17 Jodie Burrage missed Wimbledon last year through injury, so hopes her luck will change Credit: Getty 17 Jodie is dating Scots rugby international Ben White, who plays scrum half for French club Toulon Credit: Instagram BBC commentator Annabel Croft could not believe her eyes when Jodie's opponent in the last 16, reigning Wimbledon ladies champ Barbora Krejcikova, fired a shot through a hole in the net. Krejcikova generously conceded the point but the Czech ace went on to win the match. Surrey smasher Jodie is dating Scots rugby international Ben White, who plays scrum half for French club Toulon. At last month's French Open, Jodie said uncertainty over whether Ben, 27, would be picked for the British Lions squad to tour Australia this summer was affecting her form on the court. In the end, Ben was not selected – so expect to see him at Wimbledon cheering on Jodie. Jack Draper, 23 - GB No1, world No4 ONE of the most eligible men in tennis, young free and single Jack is a Burberry model with an equally fine-looking tennis game. Now at a career-high world No4, he is hotly tipped to win Wimbledon, if not this year then soon. 17 Jack draper is a Burberry model with an equally fine-looking tennis game Credit: Getty 17 Jack with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in an ad for Burberry swimwear Credit: Burberry He would be the first English champ since Fred Perry in 1936 – and looks the heir apparent to Scots sensation Sir Andy Murray, who twice claimed the spoils at SW19 before retiring. After winning the Indian Wells tournament in California earlier this year, and making the semi-finals of the US Open in 2024, big-serving leftie Jack is the real deal at just 23. The Man United fan, who grew up in Ashtead, Surrey, and started out at Sutton Tennis and Squash Club, also stands out for his chiselled looks. He set hearts fluttering when pictured recently jumping topless from a boat with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in an ad for Burberry swimwear. But he has no love match at the moment and is just pals with Rosie, and her Hollywood star other half Jason Statham. He says: 'I'm always on the road, always playing, always training. It's tough to sustain any relationship.' Having banked nearly £6million in prize money, and plenty more from endorsements and modelling work, he is dream boyfriend material for whoever should get so lucky. But for now, his No1 fan at Wimbledon will be mum Nicky, a former junior tennis starlet. His dad Roger, meanwhile, is an ex-boss of the Lawn Tennis Association, the sport's UK governing body, so was tasked with finding the country's next Wimbledon champ. Sun tennis correspondent Rob Maul says: 'Remarkably, he didn't have to look far!' Henry Searle, 19 - GB No119, world No409 THE teen wildcard from Wolverhampton may have a lowly world ranking – but he already has some serious form on the lawns of Wimbledon. It is only two years ago that 6ft 4in Henry became the first Brit to win the boys title, since football legend Stanley Matthews' son. 17 Henry Searle may have a lowly world ranking – but he already has some serious form on the lawns of Wimbledon Credit: Rex Since Stanley Matthews Jnr picked up the trophy in 1962, it has been won by a host of kids who went on to become tennis greats including Bjorn Borg and Ivan Lendl. The left-hander is the son of cricketer Harvey Trump, an off-spin bowler who played for Somerset between 1988 and 1997, and his first wife Emma. Henry has a huge following of fans and friends who join him at matches, wear identical T-shirts and making a lot of noise supporting his every shot. Sun man courtside Rob Maul says: 'Henry is quite a shy lad who doesn't say a lot but he has what it takes to be a real star of the future.' Jacob Fearnley, 23 - GB No2, world No51 HOTSHOT Jacob is drawing comparisons with a famous fellow Scot, two-time Wimbledon champ Sir Andy Murray, and recent results show the new pretender may just fit the bill. He has had a meteoric rise to No51 in the world rankings, from a lowly 664 at the start of the year, and it seems the only way is up. 17 Jacob Fearnley is drawing comparisons with a famous fellow Scot, two-time Wimbledon champ Sir Andy Murray Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 17 Jacob with stunning US girlfriend, beach volleyball star Keagan Polk Credit: / Instagram The powerfully built big-hitter was born and brought up in Edinburgh where mum Sam, who worked for the NHS, taught him to play tennis from the age of three. But Jacob looks like an American – wears his baseball cap backward and speaks with slight Texan drawl. That's because he came through the US college ranks rather than a tennis academy. He spent five years at the Texas Christian University where fellow Brit Cameron Norrie also built his game, and it is where he met his stunning US girlfriend, beach volleyball star Keagan Polk. At the Australian Open earlier this year, she cheered him on to a win against Aussie bad boy Nick Kyrgios in the first round. She was also in Jacob's box at Wimbledon last year when he took a set off the greatest player of all time, Serb superstar Novak Djokovic. But he has his work cut out in his first match at Wimbledon – up against much-hyped Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca. Dan Evans, 35 - GB No5, world No170 LIKE seven-time Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic, who comes into this year's tournament aged 38 and world-ranked six, our Dan is in the twilight of his career. Aged 35, he may not have too many more SW19 appearances in him, so catch him now. 17 Dan Evans comes into this year's tournament aged 38 and world-ranked six Credit: Getty 17 Dan will be cheered at Wimbledon by wife Aleah Credit: Alamy The former Brit No1 has slipped to world No170 from a high of 21 just two years ago and only got into this year's draw with a wildcard – but a recent run of form suggests a thrilling last hurrah could just be possible. One of the most working-class players on the circuit, Brummie electrician's son Dan spent a year off the tour after testing positive for cocaine in 2017 but stormed back with a vengeance and is a reformed man. He did Team GB proud last year at the Paris Olympics as he made the doubles quarter-finals with Sir Andy Murray – in the former world No1's emotional farewell to the game. Dan is now is giving his all to his time left on court and delighting fans with his mischievous game of crafty spins. Based in Dubai nowadays, he will be cheered at Wimbledon by wife Aleah as he starts against fellow Brit Jay Clarke, 26, who is GB No7 and world No199. Dan and Aleah plan to have kids once he hangs up his racquet – and he has banked more than £6million in prize money alone so will have plenty of cash for family holidays. The single-handicap golfer will also have time for honing his swing, and following his beloved Aston Villa. OTHER HOME ACES TO SEE FROM talented teens to a most unlikely 11th-hour men's qualifier, here are some other British players to watch . . . 17 Welsh wildcard Mingge 'Mimi' Xu is only 17 and already British No10 Credit: Reuters TIPPED for big things, Welsh wildcard Mingge 'Mimi' Xu is only 17 and already British No10. Born to Chinese parents who met at Swansea University, she is world No318 and has a big ask in round one . . . against Emma Raducanu. 17 Oliver Tarvet battled through qualifying this week into the main draw Credit: Getty HE is the world's 719th best player and No33 in Britain – but Oliver Tarvet, from St Albans, battled through qualifying this week into the main draw. If he wins his first match, against a fellow qualifier, Oliver, 21, could face reigning champ Carlos Alcaraz. 17 Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, is a big server with a style like her childhood idol Maria Sharapova Credit: Getty WILDCARD Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, is a big server with a style like her childhood idol Maria Sharapova. Born in West London to a Serb dad and Polish mum, the 6ft belter made headlines in junior circles by winning last year's US Open girls' title.
Leader Live
10 hours ago
- Leader Live
Jack Draper faces added pressure as home favourite at Wimbledon
The 23-year-old will be seeded fourth when play begins next week as he looks to build on victory at Indian Wells in March, his first ATP Masters 1000 title, as well as his first Grand Slam semi-final at last year's US Open. Draper was drawn to face Argentine Sebastian Baez in the first round and faces a potentially tough route through the tournament which could see him go up against each of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. But though the world's top two Alcaraz and Sinner have split the past six Grand Slams between them, Draper has already tasted victory over both. 'I do think Jack Draper is capable of winning Grand Slam titles,' said Balding, who was speaking at an event in London to mark one year of Barclays' Free Park Tennis scheme, which provides facilities and coaching with the aim of removing barriers between children and grassroots sport. 'But I think it's harder for a British player to win Wimbledon than any of the other Grand Slams because of the added pressure of it being your home tournament. 'The attention and the distraction of all the media you have to do. For all the benefits of the support of the crowd you've also got that added element of how much you want it. A morning at the Draw 🧮#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2025 'It's why Andy Murray's even more remarkable. Dealing with that desire and how it affects your brain and how your brain then affects your body, it's a big psychological challenge.' Balding points to Murray's career as an indicator of why initiatives like Free Park Tennis are key in widening the pool of potential tennis stars. Traditionally, lack of access to facilities and equipment due to costs have acted as a barrier within some communities and demographics. The hope is that by opening up those facilities and putting them within easy reach, those barriers will fall away. Since its inception last year the initiative has engaged 35,000 children by offering free coaching and equipment on around a hundred courts nationwide. '(Murray's) is not a story of coming from a privileged background,' said Balding. 'It's a story of access, because his mum was a tennis coach, so there's the key. 'Andy and Jamie Murray would have played another sport. If their parents had been involved in a golf club they'd have taken up golf. They had access (to tennis) but through a very specific route. 'There are going to be over a hundred courts open, available and free to use. Thousands of kids have already done it and I hope more and more will. 'We know all the research into kids being outside, kids being fitter, healthier, all of those things. But I think the key with tennis is the focus that's required, the real concentration. That's a huge benefit to children.'
Leader Live
10 hours ago
- Leader Live
Frances Tiafoe backs efforts to expand grassroots tennis in UK
Lack of access to facilities has typically led to far smaller participation levels than in more popular sports in Britain and, though an LTA report in 2024 revealed that around 3.6million UK children play at least once a year, barriers remain to its regular uptake amongst young people, both in Britain and abroad. Much of that is down to the expense of equipment and limited access to properly maintained courts and coaching, in practice fencing the game off from some demographics. Current world number 12 Tiafoe, whose family immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone during the 90s, cites his early introduction to the game as an outlier. Had his father not worked as janitor at a tennis centre in Tiafoe's hometown Maryland, he believes he would never have taken up a game which was seen as off limits to people from less affluent backgrounds. 'You give a chance to people in inner cities, people who wouldn't be able to do a particular sport,' said Tiafoe, who was speaking at an event in London to mark one year of Barclays Free Park tennis scheme, which provides facilities and coaching with the aim of removing barriers between children and grassroots sport. 'In America, that's why everyone's so quick to play basketball. All you need is a ball and a hoop. Same as (football) over here (in the UK).' A morning at the Draw 🧮#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2025 He believes that initiatives like Free Park Tennis – billed as the sport's answer to Park Run and which provides for free the coaches and equipment many would otherwise be unable to afford – will provide the stimulus in the UK for barriers to fall away. 'Tennis you need rackets and strings and shoes, it becomes very upper echelon,' he said. 'This way everyone will be able to it. That's what means a lot to me.' Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semi-finalist in 2022 and 2024, will be aiming to improve upon his Wimbledon record – where he has never progressed beyond the fourth round – when play begins on Monday. The 27-year-old is drawn to face the Dane Elmer Moller in the first round with a possible second-round meeting with Brit Cameron Norrie. He believes that more players from his background will in future feel they can follow in his footsteps, with the UK leading the way in breaking down barriers. 'There'd be three or four of me sitting here if we had these schemes (in the US),' he said. 'That's why I'm so passionate about these type of things.' BBC Sport presenter Ian Wight, also speaking at the event, said his own experience of growing up on a council estate in south London pushed him and his peers towards football because sports like tennis appeared closed off. 'When we were younger, you go the tennis court where I lived in Brockley, it was always empty,' he said. 'I didn't see anybody on there – white, black, nobody. 'There were people who played football with us just because it's easy to get a football and all of you can play. I'm sure some of those guys, if they had the facilities from this kind of initiative, they would have done it. '
