Jack Draper says ‘people are gonna be after me’ at Monte-Carlo Masters | Tennis | Sport

Jack Draper believes he may have a target on his back after winning his opening match at the Monte-Carlo Masters. He defeated American star Marcos Giron in a 6-1 6-1 demolition, continuing his impressive form this season.

Draper moved up to a career-high world No. 6 in the ATP rankings this week and has been defeated by just three players in 2025 – Jakub Mensik, Andrey Rublev and Carlos Alcaraz in an Australian Open walkover. The Brit has jettisoned himself into tennis’ elite and knows exactly what will follow, rivals stepping up their game as soon as they see their name next to Draper’s in a draw.

« I’m obviously growing in confidence, more experienced,” he said in Monte Carlo when asked about his improvement this year. “It’s obviously a bit of an adjustment. Last year coming here I was 40 in the world. Now I’m number six.

“It’s been an amazing year. But I want to keep up the hard work. People are gonna be after me. That’s for sure. I’m ready to keep competing really hard and trying to put my tennis out on the court.”

But at this moment, Draper would relish playing any opponent. His new-found ability to compete in long rallies and matches and an increased physicality have given the 23-year-old the platform to compete against the best in the world.

“I felt great,” Draper added. “Obviously been working really hard the last couple of weeks. I felt like last year, I was playing well, obviously not the player I think I am now, not as confident, not as physically and mentally strong.

“But I felt like last year I was playing some good level. I just couldn’t get my feet off the ground, having some really tight losses here and Madrid. So I think this year I feel really pumped up like I’ve got something to prove.”

Next up for Draper is Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after the Spaniard defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry. And although the Sutton-born star has opened up on being emotionally drained, following his incredible few weeks Stateside, he will be confident of advancing further.

“Although I say to myself, I want to be consistent every week, it was really difficult,” he continued. I was in Indian Wells for three weeks and then I got to Miami and my body felt good. I just felt extremely emotionally tired from such a new experience, winning a big event like that.

“It was nice to get some time at home and get some time to prepare for the clay, get my body feeling good. I didn’t want to lose early, but I’ll take it in my stride.”