On the Challenger occasion in Bergamo final October, Draper had simply crept into the world’s high 100 – a key marker on the skilled tour and a gateway to direct entry into Grand Slam occasions.
He was complaining in regards to the “cruelty” of the sport the place he had began to do his finest however failed once more as a result of a shoulder damage.
“I used to be 40 years previous on the earth, I bought injured and my stage went down fully. I used to be taking part in Challengers once more and I felt indignant,” mentioned Draper.
“However I knew that if I may get my physique and thoughts in the correct place, my tennis can be able to compete with the very best gamers on the earth.”
This 12 months, he demonstrated that:
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to win the primary ATP Tour title – the 250th occasion in Stuttgart
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reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal, on the US Open
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breaking into the highest 20 of the ATP world rankings
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he grew to become the fourth British man since 2009 to win an ATP 500 title
“It has been an extended, eventful 12 months,” mentioned Draper.
“However successful my first title, then the US Open, was big in believing that I belonged.
“It is had a snowball impact since then.”
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