Jack Draper explains why he won’t take Andy Murray’s advice

Jack Draper has admitted he will not consult his tennis idol Andy Murray for advice ahead of the US Open semi-finals. The world number 25 follows in Murray’s footsteps and becomes the first Briton to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since the three-time Grand Slam champion did so at the 2017 French Open.

The 22-year-old has had a brilliant run in Flushing Meadows, winning five games in a row without losing a set and boasting an impressive match record: he has won 71% of the games played (89:36). None of his opponents were able to force him into a tiebreak.

“I haven’t spoken to Andy.” – Jack Draper

The Londoner has shown his immense potential over the past three years, but this is the first time he has made it this far in a Grand Slam. At 22, he seems ready to compete with the best players on tour and was preparing to challenge world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

When asked if he had consulted his mentor and friend Andy Murray for advice, Draper replied: “I haven’t spoken to Andy, no. I think he’s enjoying his retirement, playing a lot of golf and spending time with his family. He hasn’t seen his family much in recent years, so I think they enjoy having him around.

“I’ve spoken to him a few times in the past about big Grand Slam matches and all that kind of stuff. When people you respect give advice, it’s always good, of course, but at the end of the day it’s their experience,” added the British No. 1. “I think it’s important to experience these situations yourself because everyone reacts differently. I know Andy is there for me if I need him, but I feel pretty relaxed and just take one day at a time.”

Draper has already secured a place in the top 20 for the first time in his career and if he beats Sinner he will move into the top 15. Draper will now be looking to emulate Andy Murray and claim the US Open title that the former world number 1 won in 2012.

“Andy has inspired me a lot. I always tell him when we have a serious conversation that he has done amazingly well and he has definitely inspired some players,” Draper said recently. “I have been able to befriend him (Murray), joke with him and get to know him outside of tennis if I have a question,” the world number 25 added.

After beating Alex De Minaur in the quarter-finals, Draper – Murray also paid tribute during the on-court interview: “Andy, I miss him, of course,” Draper said. “Kudos to him. What an incredible career the guy had. An icon of the game. I miss him in the dressing room. I miss standing next to his smelly shoes and all his smelly clothes. Andy is a legend. If I have half the career he had, then I’ll be a lucky man.