3 months ago
25
On the eve of the Wimbledon draw, Jack Draper is ready to fulfil his childhood dream of leading the British charge.
'It's going to be a privilege to play as the British No 1, that's what I've always wanted,' said the world No 4 at the Hurlingham Club. 'I've wanted to make Centre Court my environment.
'I'm full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I'm going to be playing on the courts I wanted to play on since I was young, watching Andy Murray, watching all these great players. It's sinking in that I'm there now: I've got the chance to show people what I can do.'
The Wimbledon draw takes place at 10am on Friday. San Diego college student Oliver Tarvet won through qualifying on Thursday to make it 23 British players in the singles draws, the most since 1984.
'A lot of British players, a lot of British talent,' said Draper. 'It is really exciting for the public to have so many good people in the draw from this country.
'It is a great opportunity for us all. I feel strong, I feel ready.'
Jack Draper has revealed how he will feel leading the British charge as Wimbledon this summer
Growing up watching the likes of Andy Murray, Draper goes into the competition as British No 1
There will be 23 Brits in the singles draws, the most since 1984 - pictured, Emma Raducanu
Draper won an exhibition match against Holger Rune at Hurlingham, his first outing since smashing an advertising board in defeat by Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals at Queen's Club.
He was struggling with tonsillitis that week but said: 'I've been on antibiotics, got over it. I already feel so much better. Got my energy back, that's for sure. Sometimes you don't realise how bad you were at the time.'
