Draper dominates the 10th seed 6-3, 7-5, 6-2, becoming the first British man in the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray in 2012.
After years plagued by injuries, Jack Draper has reached a career milestone by advancing to his first Grand Slam semi-final at the 2024 US Open. The 22-year-old Briton defeated world No. 10 Alex de Minaur in straight sets (6-3, 7-5, 6-2), continuing his flawless run in the tournament without dropping a set.
Draper, seeded 25th, dominated from the baseline, using his powerful forehand to dictate play against an ailing De Minaur. Despite some physical discomfort of his own—requiring medical treatment for his thigh during the match—Draper remained mentally focused, securing his spot in the final four. His victory makes him the first British man to reach the US Open semi-finals since his idol, Andy Murray, won the tournament in 2012.
Draper’s journey to the semis has been remarkable, dropping just 36 games across five matches—the fifth fewest in the last 40 years at the US Open. With this win, Draper will break into the ATP top 20 for the first time in his career, a feat achieved by only nine other British men in tennis history. He now awaits a showdown with either Jannik Sinner, the top seed, or Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion.
Reflecting on his progress, Draper stated, “This is not like an overnight thing for me… I’ve believed for a long time that I’ve been putting in the work and doing the right things.” He is now just two wins away from a potential Grand Slam title, a feat that would cap his breakthrough season.
Analysis
Political
Jack Draper’s rise within the tennis world reflects the importance of athletic governance and support systems in nurturing young talent. The British tennis infrastructure, including programs like the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), has played a crucial role in Draper’s development. This victory, coinciding with Andy Murray’s legacy, puts pressure on British tennis authorities to continue fostering future stars, maintaining the country’s presence on the global tennis stage.
Social
Draper’s journey from injury-riddled seasons to Grand Slam semi-finalist resonates as a tale of perseverance, inspiring athletes and fans alike. His success is a beacon for those dealing with setbacks, showcasing how resilience can lead to remarkable achievements. As a new figure in British tennis, Draper’s story will likely motivate younger players and widen the sport’s appeal across the UK, particularly among a new generation of tennis fans.
Racial
Draper’s breakthrough comes in an era when British tennis is embracing greater diversity, with role models from various backgrounds stepping into the spotlight. His progress, alongside the achievements of players like Emma Raducanu, demonstrates the growing inclusivity within the sport. Draper’s success helps highlight the importance of diversity in ensuring British tennis can draw from a broad talent pool to remain competitive on the world stage.
Gender
Draper’s rise to the US Open semi-finals also comes amid a strong performance by British women in tennis, following Emma Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph. His success complements the achievements of female British tennis stars, showing how the sport is thriving across both genders. The equal coverage of men’s and women’s tennis at the Grand Slam level helps further promote gender equality in sports media and representation.
Economical
Draper’s ascent to the ATP top 20 signifies not just personal success, but also economic opportunities for British tennis. His performance is likely to attract sponsorships, endorsements, and increased media attention, which can funnel more financial support into the sport. The economic impact extends beyond Draper, contributing to a broader promotion of tennis in the UK, as well as bolstering the global tennis economy by creating a new star for fans and brands to rally behind.
