When Jack Draper talked about missing an opportunity after his French Open defeat, he was not just referring to missing out on a quarter-final spot.
Britain’s world number five was also frustrated at not setting up a chance to test himself against the man he wants to catch – world number one Jannik Sinner.
Draper’s fourth-round loss to 62nd-ranked Alexander Bublik meant he missed out on a chance to try and avenge his US Open semi-final defeat by Italy’s Sinner.
It also offered a sharp reminder of how the 23-year-old Englishman still has to bridge the gap to Sinner and world number two Carlos Alcaraz at the Grand Slams.
“Draper is on the cusp – he has to keep doing what he’s doing,” British former world number four Greg Rusedski told BBC Sport.
“Jack has not had a full year where he has been healthy until now.
How can Draper catch Sinner and Alcaraz?
Over the past year, Draper has made monumental progress to become one of the most feared players on the ATP Tour.
His Grand Slam breakthrough came at the US Open and was backed up by runs to the last 16 of the Australian Open and now in Paris.
But Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 22, have a stranglehold on the majors, having won the past five Grand Slams between them.
The British number one conceded it was “really difficult” not to get the opportunity to assess his level over five sets against his good friend Sinner in Paris.
Draper has much less Grand Slam experience than the leading stars, while also having only 168 Tour-level matches under his belt compared to Sinner’s 356 and Alcaraz’s 300.
“I’m a long way behind those boys. I still have lots to learn,” Draper said.
“They’re probably a year or two years ahead of me and have obviously achieved a lot more.
“If you look at how many ATP matches they’ve played, they’ve played double the amount I have.
Draper was ranked 39th in the world at last year’s French Open and went out in the first round to Dutch qualifier and world number 176 Jesper de Jong.
His rise has been underpinned by winning Indian Wells – one of the biggest tournaments outside of the majors – and reaching the Madrid final, both ATP events played over three sets.
Better fitness has seen him climb the world rankings, and he could move to fourth after the French Open.
He has already leapfrogged American Taylor Fritz in the live rankings, although Roland Garros quarter-finalists Novak Djokovic, Lorenzo Musetti and Tommy Paul can still overhaul him.
“My level is getting better all the time, but it’s not just the tennis. It’s the consistency of what they’re doing,” Draper said of Sinner and Alcaraz.
“Even though I’ve been more consistent, it’s doing it when it matters, and these are the tournaments that matters.
Will Wimbledon provide another breakthrough?
Draper now turns his attentions to the grass-court season which, of course, culminates at Wimbledon.
He has the game to thrive on the grass – particularly with his potent first serve – but has yet to go beyond the second round in three appearances.
“The shorter, sharper points will suit him and the leftie serve – which has so much variety – helps him achieve that,” said former British women’s number one Annabel Croft.
“It swings out wide on the ad side, he can swing it into the body, the kick away from a right-hander is a nightmare – he’s got every kind of serve you can imagine.
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Draper’s high seeding will also help his chances of a deep run.
The left-handed Englishman warmed up for Wimbledon last year by winning his first ATP title on the Stuttgart grass.
Draper does not intend to defend his title in Germany next week, instead planning to take a week off the match court and focus on practise, before playing at Queen’s Club.
“I’ll be happy to get on a faster surface and one I’m much more comfortable moving on,” said Draper.
Can he cope with Wimbledon expectation?
It is the second time Draper arrives at Wimbledon as the British number one, but he will face even more scrutiny this time around.
Draper, who faced testing atmospheres against home favourites at the Australian Open and French Open this year, believes he will thrive with the crowd support behind him.
“Dealing with expectation when you’re playing well is quite easy because you use the crowd to fuel you,” Rusedski said.
“It’s when you’re not playing well, that’s what becomes difficult with pressure.
“You end up trying too hard and that never works work out well. You have to organically allow it to happen if you’re putting in the work, and Jack is doing that.”
Draper has struggled with anxiety in the biggest moments of his career and vomited on court during his New York semi-final against Sinner.
He sought advice from a breathing coach and now believes the sickness was not down to stress.
“I found out it was to do with the fact that I was taking lots of painkillers for an injury that I had. That wasn’t the anxiety,” he added.
When Jack Draper mentioned missing a chance following his French Open defeat, he was not just referring to missing out on a quarter-final spot.
Britain’s top five was angry that he had missed a chance to test himself against Jannik Sinner, the country’s top ranked individual.
Due to losing to 62nd-ranked Alexander Bublik in the fourth round, Draper was unable to avenge the semi-final defeat by Sinner from Italy.
The 23-year-old Englishman still has to make up the difference between Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the Grand Slams, which both served as sharp reminders of.
Former world number four Greg Rusedski, a member of the British Empire, stated to BBC Sport that “Draper is on the cusp of doing what he’s doing.”
“Jack hasn’t been in good health for a full year,” he said.
How are Sinner and Alcaraz caught by Draper?
Draper has made significant progress over the past year, becoming one of the ATP Tour’s mostfeared players.
His Grand Slam triumphed at the US Open, and it was followed by victories in the final 16 of the Australian Open, which is now in Paris.
However, with the latter having won the last five Grand Slams together, Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 22, have a monopoly on the majors.
The British number one acknowledged that it was “extremely challenging” not to have the opportunity to evaluate his level against his good friend Sinner in Paris.
In contrast to Sinner’s 356 and Alcaraz’ 300, Draper has much less Grand Slam experience than the leading players. He also has only 168 Tour-level matches to his credit.
I’m far behind those boys, I tell them. “Draper said, “I still have a lot to learn.”
They are probably a year or two behind me, and they have undoubtedly accomplished much more.
They’ve played twice as many ATP matches as I have, according to one player.
Draper lost to Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in the first round, who finished 39th overall at the French Open last year.
Both ATP matches played over three sets, where he has won one of the biggest tournaments outside of the majors, Indian Wells, and the Madrid final, both of which have helped him advance.
He is now in fourth place after the French Open, thanks to his improved fitness.
Although Novak Djokovic, Lorenzo Musetti, and Tommy Paul are Roland Garros quarter-finalists, he has already outpaced American Taylor Fritz in the live rankings.
My level is constantly improving, but it’s not just tennis. Draper referred to Sinner and Alcaraz as having the same level of consistency in what they’re doing.
Even though I’ve been more consistent, it’s still important to do it, and these tournaments are just that.
Will Wimbledon result in another breakthrough?
Draper now concentrates on the grass-court season, which, of course, culminates in Wimbledon.
In three appearances, he has yet to go beyond the second round, but he has the ability to thrive on grass, especially with his potent first serve.
Former British women’s number one Annabel Croft said, “The shorter, sharper points will suit him, and the leftie serve, which has so much variety, helps him achieve that.”
He can swing it into the body, and the kick from a right-hander is a nightmare because he has “every kind of serve you can imagine.”
Images courtesy of Getty
Draper’s high seeding will increase his chances of a successful run.
The left-handed Englishman won his first ATP title on the Stuttgart grass last year, warming up for Wimbledon.
Next week, Draper plans to take a week off the court and concentrate on practice before playing at Queen’s Club, but he won’t be competing there.
“I’ll be happy to move on to a faster surface, and I’m much more comfortable moving on,” said Draper.
Can he handle the expectations of Wimbledon?
Draper will be subject to even more scrutiny this time around as the British number one. This is his second appearance at Wimbledon.
Draper, who faced challenging competition this year at the Australian Open and French Open, believes he will succeed with the support of the crowd.
Because you use the crowd to fuel you, Rusedski said, “It’s very simple to deal with expectation when you’re playing well.”
Pressure makes things difficult when you’re not playing well, not when you’re not.
“You end up trying too hard, and things never go well.” If you’re putting in the work, and Jack is doing it, you have to naturally allow it to happen.
Draper has struggled with anxiety during his best professional years, and he vomited on the court in the semi-final matchup against Sinner in New York.
He now concludes that his illness was not caused by stress and sought advice from a breathing coach.
“I was able to determine that my injury had something to do with the fact that I was taking a lot of painkillers. He continued, “That wasn’t the anxiety.”
The star’s parents are selling their stunning family home, which is close to scenic locations like Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.
Amanda Holden showcased the home on social media(Image: Neil Mockford/GC Images)
Amanda Holden has made it known that her parents’ home is currently on the market and that they are looking to downsize. The 54-year-old TV personality posted an Instagram alert yesterday, drawing attention to the stunning Cornwall home.
She shared a link to the Rightmove advertisement and said, “Parents are downsizing.” She added, “They are] selling their beautiful home in Cornwall,” in a previous post.
The four-bedroom property is ideally situated close to the coast of North Cornwall and picturesque locations like Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. It has historic features, beautiful wood floors, and fireplaces, according to the sellers, making it a “true rural gem.”
“Tucked away in a tranquil setting with breathtaking countryside and coastal views, this charming Grade II listed detached Cornish cottage, believed to have built around the turn of the 18th century, is a true rural gem,” the listing reads, according to the Mirror.
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READ MORE: Inside the £895,000 home of Amanda Holden’s family in ‘easy reach’ of Cornwall coast
“With a distinctive thatched roof and a wealth of historic character features—exposed beams, fireplaces and timber floors.” Last month, Amanda also shared a promotional video from Fine and Country Bude of the thatched home on her Instagram account.
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An estate agent examines the property’s fascinating history while a clip features panoramic shots of Hersham, Bude. They said, “I have a real treat for you today, I’m looking forward to showing you the video of this gorgeous Grade II listed cottage behind me called Hersham Carpentry.”
“It’s where all the hand carts were built in the area in the past,” said one historian. Four cozy bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception areas, and a welcoming kitchen/breakfast area are all located in the detached thatched roof house.
Amanda Holden’s parents are downsizing and selling this property(Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country)
The property boasts a wealth of historic features(Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country)
Additionally, three annexes have a documented history of holiday letting income that dates back more than ten years. The third floor, which includes a living room, kitchen, and conservatory, has two single-storey annexes, while the third has two.
Future owners can enjoy the “sweeping cottage gardens,” which have tranquil patio areas and three panoramic viewpoints with sea views. Additionally, Rightmove points to a particularly large driveway with room for eight vehicles.
Amanda’s family has reportedly stated in response to the advertisement that they are “saddened to leave this lovely home we have lived in for over 22 years.” We’ll miss the beautiful vistas and spectacular sunsets from various viewpoints in our gardens as they come early in the morning.
The annexes and main cottage have separate garden areas(Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country)
The dining room sits adjacent to the kitchen in the main cottage(Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country)
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We have enjoyed family and friend barbecues in the backyard many times. Unfortunately, we are no longer as old as we are, and we feel it is time to downsize and be closer to our families.
We’ll miss our wonderful home and all of our neighbors, who are still present, in large part. Although in a country lane only five minutes’ drive from amenities and the wonderful sandy beaches, it is very quiet, private, and peaceful.
This charming, book-like abode offers a peaceful retreat while being conveniently located just two miles from the historic Statton village, which offers easy access to nearby amenities like a post office, charming public houses, and a store that is open all week.
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The coastal town of Bude is also nearby. Visitors can find a wealth of charming sandy beaches and cliff walks here.
Given that its typically not very wallet-friendly price drops below £30, Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation is currently available for purchase at a delightful discount.
We may link to affiliate links in this article, but we will make money off of any purchases we make. more information
Estee Lauder foundation that ‘stays flawless all day’ is under £30 in rare sale(Image: Estee Lauder)
You won’t want to miss this limited-time offer, whether you’re a devoted fan of Estee Lauder’s iconic foundation or looking for an excuse to test it out for less money.
Estee Lauder’s popular Double Wear foundation, which has been a best-selling item for several years and has received an impressive 4-star rating on the Boots website, is available in more than 60 shades.
Medium-to-full coverage is provided by the makeup product, which would normally cost a hefty $ 39.50. SPF 10 is included in its formula to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, it has decreased below £30 as a result of this Debenhams deal.
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The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation has 30% off at Debenhams(Image: Estee Lauder)
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is currently available for purchase at All Beauty for $ 29.50, $ 29.63 on Estee Lauder’s website, and $ 33.70 on Lookfantastic. However, Debenhams is hosting a wonderful deal that costs just £27.65, making this makeup essential, at one of the lowest prices available.
According to Estee Lauder, this Double Wear foundation controls oil all day, leaving you with a shine-free complexion. It even claims to be sweat, humidity, and transfer resistant, making it oh-so-important in your makeup bag as we head closer to the summer season.
The light foundation has an airbrushed effect that allows for an enhanced, natural beauty that’s ideal for everything from your daily look to a full glam beat, and it can be worn for up to 24 hours. The multi-benefit formula, which includes SPF10 protection, helps to reduce imperfections and improve skin tone while also reducing unwanted shine for a “just-applied” freshness that won’t look greasy.
Because of its numerous thousands of positive reviews, this foundation has become a best-seller. It’s simple to apply and lasts all day, says one Debenhams customer. In addition, the bottle seems to last a while and is reasonably priced when compared to other brands. It has good, even coverage, but doesn’t feel thick on my face.
This buyer exclaims, “The coverage is incredible and lasts all day. “Will undoubtedly come back.”
Another third phrase, “Best foundation out there, stays on all day, and creates flawless skin”
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This customer raves about trying so many foundations, saying that they struggled with foundations that didn’t cover redness or made my acne texture look worse. This one accomplishes everything, and the finish is stunning. I have combo skin, which suits me really well. I’m really impressed because it never feels or looks cakey.
