The rise of draper in the past year has been solid and stable.
His first trophy came to the Stuttgart Grass in June of last year, followed by an ATP 500 Hard Court title in Vienna in October.
His race for the United States semi-finals drew the attention of the broader British public, although his nerves were illustrated by vomiting in court in a defeat of the possible Jannik Sinner champion.
Draper began to see a “respiratory coach” to help solve the problem, and he underlined the way he went through the third set against Alcaraz as an example of his improved composure.
“I had some doubts before the Indian Wells final wondered if you would feel the same things-but I did not do it,” he said.
“I was really strong and focused on my breathing and the things I could control. This is what I was really proud of.”
The next step compared to the Masters champion is logical – becoming a Grand Chelem champion.
Winning Indian Wells is not a guarantee of future success, but as Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu showed, passing through a 96 players of the best opponents is a strong indicator.
The hard shorts were the most successful surface of draper, but the next two majors are on French open clay courts and Wimbledon grass.
So far, he has struggled on the clay, but his improved leg play should help, while the increasingly dangerous service and the basic blows are adapted to the success of the court.
“I always feel that I have a lot to prove on clay,” added Draper.
“I didn’t do it last year, but I don’t see why I can’t push the best players of this surface.
“As for grass, I think my game has improved considerably since last year.”
