Ex-LTA chief father mired in controversy and tennis-loving mother - A glimpse into Jack Draper's family

Jack Alexander Draper has made impressive strides in the game of tennis since making his professional debut in 2018. Ranked as high as World No. 31 in singles - which he recently achieved on June 17, 2024 - Draper has won one title on the ATP Tour at the 2024 BOSS Open in Stuttgart. He also appeared in the final of the 2018 Wimbledon as a junior.

A major credit for the 22-year-old’s career goes to his parents – father Roger Draper, a central figure in British Tennis administration, and mother Nicky Draper, a tennis enthusiast and coach. Roger was a former head of the UK Lawn Tennis Association. British tennis made significant progress during his tenure from 2006 to 2013.  

Roger made several notable moves, including hiring top coaches from around the world to improve the performance of British players. It was during his tenure that Andy Murray defeated Roger Federer in the 2012 Olympic final. Murray also won the US Open title the same year.

However, his career was marred by controversy, especially after when his remuneration was made public. Many critics have pointed out that his salary of £640,000 is disproportionate to his services and that he earns more than the country's prime minister.  

Also Check: Jack Draper celebrates new Brit no. 1 spot with first ATP title; defeats Matteo Berrettini at Stuggart Open Final 2024 

He first picked up a racket when he was just one: Nicky Draper recalls her son's early interest in tennis

Draper's mother, Nicky, was a coach at Sutton Tennis and Squash Club. Notably, Jack took his first steps towards becoming a tennis player as a toddler of two and a half years. In an interview, Nicky revealed that her son picked up a racket for the first time when he was one year old. She also said that Jack's transition from junior to senior level was a tough challenge. 

"He picked up a racket for the first time when he was just one and you could see from a very young age that Jack had incredible hand-eye coordination. (Via the LTA.org.uk)

"There are plenty of challenging times at this stage of a career. You make a lot of sacrifices and can’t hang out with your friends. Having come through all that, it’s great to see Jack getting the rewards he is enjoying now.” added Nicky Draper after her son won his maiden M25 title on the ITF Tour.”