Emma Raducanu has offered a candid perspective on fellow Brit Jack Draper’s impressive rise in the tennis world, while highlighting the contrast between their respective journeys.
Speaking after Draper’s runner-up finish at the Madrid Open—where he fell to Casper Ruud in the final—Raducanu praised his achievements, but made it clear that their paths in tennis have been far from similar.
“It’s amazing to see what he’s achieved and how much he’s done,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “He’s a great tennis player, and his stature allows him to take the game away from almost anyone. For him to dominate the way he has is really cool to see.”
Despite the shared nationality and similar age, Raducanu emphasized their different experiences in the sport.
“We’re two very separate, different people,” she said. “We’ve both gone through our own journeys. Mine hasn’t always followed the natural or traditional route.”
Raducanu famously won the US Open as a qualifier in 2021, but has since faced a series of injuries and coaching changes that have hindered her consistency. Draper, by contrast, has enjoyed a steady climb, recently breaking into the ATP top five, claiming the Indian Wells title, and making the US Open semi-finals.
“I’m just working on coming back and doing what I can day by day,” Raducanu added. “But credit to him—he’s done a great job.”
Both Draper and Raducanu will be competing in the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. Draper enters the tournament riding a wave of confidence from a stellar season, while Raducanu aims to regain momentum after a challenging year. She reached the quarter-finals in Miami and will face a qualifier in the opening round in Rome.
