Jack Draper showed his true character by revealing he won’t ask Andy Murray for advice after reaching the US Open semi-final for the first time. World No. 25 Draper’s stunning performances mean the Brit now stands a shot at winning his first Grand Slam – but he believes his idol Murray is enjoying retirement too much to reach out to the tennis legend.
The 22-year-old from south London finds himself in unfamiliar territory, having never reached the second round of a major tennis tournament before his remarkable run at Flushing Meadows. He’s followed in Murray’s footsteps by becoming the first British man since the Scot to reach the US Open quarter-finals.
Draper defeated Alex de Minaur in straight sets on Wednesday and faces a huge test next against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. But he stated in his post-match press conference that he hasn’t – and doesn’t plan to – seek advice from his mentor and friend, as he doesn’t want to disrupt Murray’s family time.
The British No. 1 said: “I haven’t spoken to Andy, no. I think he’s enjoying his retirement, playing lots of golf and enjoying his family. He’s never seen his family in the last couple of years so I think they’re enjoying having him around.
“I have spoken to him a few times in the past about playing big Grand Slam matches and all these types of things. When people you respect give you advice it’s obviously always good but at the end of the day, it’s their experience.
“I think it’s important to live these situations for yourself because everyone reacts differently to different situations. I know Andy’s there for me if I need him but I feel pretty relaxed and I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
Draper said after reaching the quarters that he was “incredibly proud” to follow in Murray’s footsteps, with the recently-retired icon having won the US Open back in 2012. The pair enjoy a close friendship off the court, with Draper receiving plenty of guidance from the three-time Grand Slam winner in the past.
Speaking about their relationship, Draper had previously said: “Andy inspired me massively, I tell him all the time, when we’re having a serious conversation, that he’s done amazingly well and he’s definitely inspired so many players.
I’ve been able to become good friends with him and joke around and get to know him outside of tennis. When I have a question I pick up the phone and speak to him.”
Draper beat Murray in their only ATP Tour level meeting at Indian Wells last year in a match that felt like a changing of the guard for British tennis. “Andy I obviously miss,” Draper said in an on-court interview.
“Shout out to him. What an unbelievable career the guy has had. Icon of the game. I miss him in the changing rooms. I miss being next to his stinky shoes and all of his stinky clothes. Andy is a legend. If I have half the career that he’s had, then I’ll be a happy man.
