‘Scary’ Jack Draper is ready to challenge for tennis’ biggest titles says assistant coach
Jack Draper has been described as ‘hungry’ and ‘scary’ by his assistant coach, after his victory at Indian Wells.
James Ward is a key part of the Brit’s team, replacing main coach James Trotman when he needs to take breaks.
Draper recently lifted the biggest title of his career at the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, defeating Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 in the showpiece match.
“It’s a massive achievement,” said Ward to the PA news agency, about the victory.
“I believed he [Draper] could win it but I don’t think he’d been in the semis of a 1000 event before so to deal with the Alcaraz match and then to play very good tennis in the final was very impressive.
“It was scary the level he produced in that final. He’s very hungry.
“He doesn’t waste any practices and I think, over a prolonged period of time, those small improvements add up.
“Then he’s 6ft 4in and he’s a lefty, which for tennis is quite handy. And he developed a lot of skills, defensive skills especially, because he had quite a late growth spurt.
“I think that combination is lethal.”
The newly-crowned Indian Wells champion also secured a place in the top 10 of the ranking, and is currently sitting as the world No 7.
Ward was also asked whether Draper can win a Grand Slam title in 2025, responding: “He’s not a guy who’s played multiple finals and been knocking on the door for years but, the way his level’s progressing and the way his physicality is improving, I don’t see why not.”
Draper achieved his best-ever result at the Australian Open in 2025 by reaching the fourth round, after also getting to the last four of the US Open in 2024.
He has yet to win a match at Roland Garros and is yet to reach the third round at Wimbledon.
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Trotman, Draper’s main coach, was also praised by Ward.
“I think he’s an absolutely brilliant coach, he’s a brilliant person,” he stated.
“He challenges Jack, he’s always looking for Jack to improve, but, at the same time, Jack knows he’s got his back. There’s so much trust there.
“I really believe he’s one of the best coaches, if not the best coach, I’ve worked with.”
After his Indian Wells victory, Draper stated: “It is an incredible feeling.”
“I wasn’t expecting this. I put in a lot of work over time. I’m just so grateful and happy to be out here to play with my body feeling healthy and feeling great in my mind.
“All the work I’ve done over the last few years, it feels like it’s all coming together on the big stage. I cannot put that into words.
“I have put in a lot of work over time and I’m so grateful to be out here, with my body healthy and feeling great in the mind.”
