It is always good to see a lefty in the semis at the US Open! Jack Draper is playing on the same date as I played my semi-final in 1997, which is also my birthday — and hopefully he has the same result and makes the final.
Regardless of what happens against Jannik Sinner on Friday, Draper is the real deal. With his firepower, there’s no reason why he can’t make multiple Grand Slam semi-finals and finals — he’s got the game.
His groundstrokes are solid, and after some injuries in the past he is now rock solid physically and mentally, too. There’s no question in my mind that Jack is going to be up there with the best players in the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him — and this is what he has to do to win…
STAY CALM
First is the mindset. Jack has to come out with calmness and belief that he can find a way to get the job done.
All the pressure is on Sinner, the world No 1. All the pundits are saying he is going to win the tournament.
Jack Draper is playing on the same date as I played my semi-final in 1997, writes Greg Rusedski
The former British No 1 celebrates his birthday on the same date – and hopes it’s an auspicious one for Draper
The serve will be key for Draper to gain the upper hand against a talented player like world No 1 Jannik Sinner
NAIL YOUR SERVE
The serve will be key — against Sinner, if you don’t make a high percentage of first serves, he really attacks the second.
He likes to stand far back on the return so Jack has to use the serve and volley to force him to change his return position.
Being a lefty helps because he can swing the ball away to the backhand side and, without Rafael Nadal, there aren’t many lefties at the top of the game, so Sinner won’t be as used to it.
BE AGGRESSIVE
Jack has to be aggressive and land the first strike in the points. Be the boss out there.
Sinner is an incredible player but there are weaknesses.
He doesn’t like to come forward so I would exploit that by trying to bring him in on my terms, with a drop shot or a short slice angle.
The Italian loves it when both players are rallying side to side, striking the ball with loads of pace. He doesn’t like it when he is asked different questions, he feels uncomfortable.
Jack has to be aggressive and land the first strike in the points. Be the boss out there
Sinner is an incredible player but there are weaknesses in the Australian Open winner’s game
Without Rafael Nadal, there aren’t many lefties at the top of the game, so Sinner won’t be as used to it
His most dangerous shot is the forehand but he actually prefers to hit that from the backhand corner, so Jack should attack into the forehand side.
So serve incredibly well, take a few risks on returns — as he did when he beat Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s — and be willing to come forward.
GET THE CROWD ONSIDE
Jack is basically going to have to play the perfect match — but if he wins the opening set, it will get the American crowd even more behind him and he will have a real chance.
