Jack Draper has hailed Emma Raducanu as one of the standout talents in British sport.
Draper, 22, has become one of the most promising young players on the men's tennis circuit having shot up to No.31 in the world. While he is now beginning to take centre stage in the sport, his rise cannot be compared to Radacanu's projection into the spotlight in 2021.
At just 18, Raducanu clinched the 2021 US Open title, ending a decades-long wait for a first British female Grand Slam champion since Virginia Wade's 1977 Wimbledon victory. Now 21, Raducanu has faced her share of challenges, including coaching changes and numerous injury setbacks.
Yet Draper's admiration of her remains undiminished. Despite her struggles in recent years, he still believes Radacanu's ability is second to very few.
Speaking to Vogue during a fashion shoot, Draper was succinct yet powerful in his praise for Raducanu. He hailed her abilities, describing her as "a real special talent", reports the Express.
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This summer, fans are eagerly anticipating Raducanu's return to Wimbledon after a two-year hiatus. She has missed the last two competitions at SW19 due to undergoing surgeries on her wrist and ankle.
She's been given a wildcard, having climbed back up to world No. 165 after reaching the semi-final of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham at the start of June. Radacanu is not the only big name in tennis to receive one, as Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniaki will also be playing at Wimbledon for the first time since 2019, while Angelique Kerber has also been handed a wildcard.
Radacanu's best performance at Wimbledon was in 2021 when she made it to the fourth round. Meanwhile, Draper will be hoping to better his competition best which saw him reach the second round in 2022. He was unable to compete in Wimbledon last year due to a shoulder injury sustained at the French Open.
Draper is clearly a big fan of Raducanu ((Image: Getty))There's even more incentive for Draper and Radacanu to perform well at Wimbledon this year as there is a record breaking £50million prize pot. Those knocked out in the first round will pocket a guaranteed £60,000.
Radacanu is one of 11 British players to receive a wildcard for this year's slam. Francesca Jones, Heather Watson, Yuriko Miyazaki, Liam Broady, Jan Choinski, Jacob Fearnley, Arthur Fery, Paul Jubb and last year's Wimbledon boy's champion Henry Searle have all been given wildcards for this year's competition.
Meanwhile, Draper delivered a huge shock when he overcame reigning Wimbledon champion and French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets at Queen's. The Sutton native overcame the Spaniard 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 to give him the perfect momentum heading into Wimbledon.
Draper stunned world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz (Getty Images for LTA)"It was a really tough match, I knew coming out here Carlos is the defending champion here and won Wimbledon last year," he said after his win. "He is an incredible talent and so great for the sport, so I had to come out and play really well. Luckily I did, so thank you.
"There is no place I would rather be right now, with my family and friends, the British support has been amazing. I want to keep on playing here, I have been desperate to come back."
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