Tennis legend John McEnroe has described British No. 1 Jack Draper as “extremely formidable” while predicting a deep run at Wimbledon 2025, starting June 30, potentially challenging top seeds Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Speaking to Reuters on May 24, 2025, McEnroe, a three-time Wimbledon champion, praised Draper’s meteoric rise to World No. 4, saying, “He’s a threat to anyone at this point. He’s certainly going to be one of the top couple of favourites at Wimbledon and extremely difficult to beat.” This bold endorsement follows Draper’s standout 2025 season, including an Indian Wells Masters 1000 title and a US Open semifinal.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/draper-ready-wimbledon-spotlight-great-british-hope-5205051)
McEnroe’s two-word description underscores Draper’s transformation from a promising talent to a Grand Slam contender. The 23-year-old left-hander, who reached the Queen’s Club semifinals before losing to Jiří Lehečka (6-4, 4-6, 7-5) on June 21, 2025, boasts a potent serve and Nadal-esque forehand, per *Sportstar*. Despite only two Wimbledon wins in three prior appearances, McEnroe believes Draper’s physicality and maturity make him a top contender, predicting he could win “multiple majors,” as stated on TNT Sports after Draper’s French Open win over Gaël Monfils (6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5).
Draper’s 2025 Wimbledon draw is tough, with a potential second-round clash against Hubert Hurkacz and a fourth-round match against Sinner, per *Sportytrader.com*. However, his recent victories over Alcaraz (Queen’s 2024, 7-6(3), 6-3) and Monfils demonstrate his ability to upset top players. McEnroe highlighted Draper’s versatility, noting, “He can do everything. He’s an excellent volleyer, the serve is huge,” and praised his physical condition, per *Tennisuptodate.com*. Sue Barker echoed this, revealing McEnroe’s admiration and calling Draper a “revelation” capable of challenging Alcaraz and Sinner, per *GB News*.[](https://tennisuptodate.com/atp/i-tell-you-one-thing-john-mcenroe-makes-one-bold-prediction-about-jack-draper-after-seeing-him-play-at-french-open)[](https://www.gbnews.com/sport/tennis/sue-barker-john-mcenroe-wimbledon-2025)
Fans on X, like @TennisFanUK, are buzzing, with many agreeing Draper could reach at least the semifinals, though some, like @SinnerSupporter, argue Alcaraz remains the favorite. With a home crowd behind him, Draper’s mental fortitude, honed by coach James Trotman, could see him surpass his second-round Wimbledon best and fulfill McEnroe’s lofty prediction.
