Jack Draper backed to win Grand Slam as Nick Kyrgios points to Andy Murray’s key influence

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Nick Kyrgios has made a bold prediction about Jack Draper’s future, suggesting who might help him realise his full potential.

It’s been quite a year already for the 23-year-old. After reaching the US Open semi-finals last season, he followed up by winning his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in March.

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Early in his career, Draper was often held back by injuries and fitness issues, but he’s since put together a much more robust frame, one well-suited to the physical demands of life on tour.

He now looks built to last and backs it up with an increasingly reliable, versatile game.

With that in mind, Nick Kyrgios expects significant things ahead — especially with a legend like Andy Murray supporting him.

Nick Kyrgios backs Jack Draper to break through

Kyrgios was asked whether he saw Draper as a genuine force at Wimbledon this year.

He replied: “Draper’s an amazing player, great athlete, big lefty, and I think he’s got more than enough game to win a Grand Slam, that’s for sure.”

“He’s super, super dialled-in now, super professional. And I think Andy Murray’s going to play a big part in helping him get over the line. And I think, yeah, Draper could definitely be winning Grand Slams soon.”

It’s a sentiment that feels far from farfetched considering Draper’s upward trajectory over the past 18 months.

Whereas one year ago much of the British hype centred around Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter, it’s now shifted firmly in Draper’s direction.

What are Jack Draper’s chances at Wimbledon?

Few would argue against Draper standing out as Great Britain’s best hope — especially with Jacob Fearnley, Emma Raducanu and Boulter all looking to make their mark.

Ranked number four and heading into Wimbledon as one of the ATP’s most in-form players, expectations are high.

But it’s not going to be easy. Draper’s path through the draw is daunting — a potential third-round clash with Alexander Bublik is just the beginning.

To capture his first Grand Slam title, he may well need to go through Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters, semis and final. It’s a route that would test anyone.

However, Draper has troubled all three before and with home support behind him, he has more reason than ever to believe he can take the next step at the All England Club this year.