Greg Rusedski impressed by ‘heir apparent’ Jack Draper ahead of clash against ‘the best player on the planet’
Greg Rusedski believes Jack Draper is Britain’s “best prospect” to take over the mantle from Andy Murray, saying the youngster “has the full package”.
The 19-year-old Draper will make not only make his Wimbledon main draw debut on Monday, but also his Grand Slam main draw bow when he takes on world No 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the opening match on Centre Court.
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It is a big step up for the teenager, who won his first match on grass at Queen’s Club a fortnight ago, but many believe he is the future of British tennis and will be the man to fly the flag once Murray retires.
“He looks the heir apparent,” Rusedski told Sportsmail. “It’s going to be very interesting to see Jack against the best player on the planet, see how his game holds up.
“It’s an amazing experience to play the defending champion in the opening match of the Championships.”
He added: “He has the full package. He is still in those early stages. Draper is our best prospect so far. He is a fellow leftie with a big serve and good groundstrokes.
“The areas in his game to work on are his defence and transitioning forward a little bit more.”
World No 253 Draper, who was handed a wildcard entry by the All England Club, is excited about his clash against 19-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is fresh from winning the French Open.
“What an opportunity for me, to play against the best player in the world right now,” he said. “I am definitely going to relish the opportunity and I am really looking forward to it.”
And don’t for a minute think the youngster will be overawed when he steps on Centre Court.
“When it comes to that stuff, I am pretty good at that,” he said. “I like the occasion. I like trying to do my best to play my best tennis in front of a lot of people. That is why I play, to compete against the best players at the best tournaments.”
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