Reflecting on their early meeting, Draper shared how Sinner, then not one of the standout juniors, has transformed into one of the world’s elite. “The first time I met Jannik was at an under-18 tournament. We played doubles, and I remember thinking, ‘hit to him because he’s not the best player on the court,’” Draper said with a smile. “It’s been strange following his journey because he’s progressed so quickly. Now, he’s world number one, and it’s amazing to see.”
Despite the high stakes, the two players have developed a strong friendship over the years. Draper praised Sinner, both for his tennis skills and his character. “He’s always well-mannered, a great guy for the sport, and an incredible player. We send each other messages in good and bad moments—it’s a tough sport when you’re a young guy.”
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Sinner, for his part, spoke warmly of Draper. While he doesn’t remember the under-18s doubles match, he acknowledged Draper’s talent. “In juniors, I was never good, but I do remember seeing him play,” Sinner said. “It was nice to play doubles with him in Montreal recently. We’ve built a great friendship, and we try to support each other in good and bad times.”
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However, when they step on court for their semi-final on Friday, the friendship will take a back seat for a few hours. “Obviously, during the match, it’s competition, but once we shake hands, the friendship comes back,” Sinner said.
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Both players’ journeys from junior tennis to this blockbuster semi-final are a testament to their hard work and determination, making their upcoming clash not just a battle of skills, but also a celebration of their shared history.
Draper became the first British man to reach the last four in New York since Andy Murray did it in 2012.
Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner’s paths first crossed in an under-18s doubles match, where Draper recalls targeting Sinner as the weaker player on the court. But as they prepare for their US Open semi-final clash, Draper knows things are very different now. The British number one has made history by reaching the last four in New York—becoming the first British man to do so since Andy Murray's title run in 2012—but his next challenge is formidable: facing world number one Jannik Sinner on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Reflecting on their early meeting, Draper shared how Sinner, then not one of the standout juniors, has transformed into one of the world’s elite. “The first time I met Jannik was at an under-18 tournament. We played doubles, and I remember thinking, ‘hit to him because he’s not the best player on the court,’” Draper said with a smile. “It’s been strange following his journey because he’s progressed so quickly. Now, he’s world number one, and it’s amazing to see.”
Despite the high stakes, the two players have developed a strong friendship over the years. Draper praised Sinner, both for his tennis skills and his character. “He’s always well-mannered, a great guy for the sport, and an incredible player. We send each other messages in good and bad moments—it’s a tough sport when you’re a young guy.”
Sinner, for his part, spoke warmly of Draper. While he doesn’t remember the under-18s doubles match, he acknowledged Draper’s talent. “In juniors, I was never good, but I do remember seeing him play,” Sinner said. “It was nice to play doubles with him in Montreal recently. We’ve built a great friendship, and we try to support each other in good and bad times.”
However, when they step on court for their semi-final on Friday, the friendship will take a back seat for a few hours. “Obviously, during the match, it’s competition, but once we shake hands, the friendship comes back,” Sinner said.
Both players’ journeys from junior tennis to this blockbuster semi-final are a testament to their hard work and determination, making their upcoming clash not just a battle of skills, but also a celebration of their shared history.
