British tennis sensation Jack Draper is setting his sights on a triumphant 2024 following his exceptional victory at the Ultimate Tennis Championship Grand Final. The 21-year-old emerged victorious over world No. 8 Holger Rune in a thrilling final, after previously defeating former Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in the semi-finals. Draper is now keen to maintain his exceptional form as he looks ahead to the upcoming Australian Open in January.
Dubbed as ‘The Power’ during the tournament, Draper secured victory in London by triumphing in all five of his matches. His remarkable achievement culminated in an impressive defeat over Holger Rune, with a final score of 12-14, 15-12, 13-10, 19-7.
Expressing his elation, Draper commented, “It’s been amazing. I’m so happy I’ve been able to play the way I can, and hopefully bring that into next year. We both brought the best out of each other there. It’s not easy with this format – it’s very difficult to stay consistent and play each point as it comes.”
Despite his lack of previous participation in the UTS, Draper seamlessly adapted to the tournament format, which involves “intense 40-minute matches” comprising of four quarters, each lasting eight minutes. The unique format also allows for live coaching and features ‘power-up cards’ that impact the number of points a player can accumulate in a quarter.
Draper’s flawless performance in the tournament saw him emerge victorious against formidable opponents such as Rune, Gael Monfils, and Alexander Bublik in the group stage, before securing a commanding victory over Casper Ruud in the semi-finals. His impressive performance was rewarded with a substantial prize of £430,000, marking the most significant payday of his burgeoning career.
Looking towards the future, Draper’s ambition for a successful 2024 is palpable as he sets his sights on the upcoming Australian Open. With his recent triumph at the UTS Grand Final under his belt, Draper is eager to continue his winning streak and make a mark in the upcoming year.
Tennis enthusiasts will be able to witness the action-packed 2024 Australian Open and other top tennis events live on platforms such as discovery+, the Eurosport app, and Eurosport.com.
As Jack Draper revels in the aftermath of his recent victory, the tennis world eagerly anticipates the promise of his future success. With unwavering determination and exceptional skill, the young British tennis sensation is poised to make waves in the upcoming year and beyond.