Wimbledon seeding dream drove Draper

Jack Draper’s dream of being seeded at Wimbledon moved closer as the Briton won the first ATP title of his career on Sunday and ran his ranking up to inside the Top 30.

The 22-year-old who takes over the top national ranking on Monday, will have little time to savour his accomplishment with a Queen’s opening match set for Tuesday,

“A Wimbledon seeding was my goal at the start of the year,” he said after defeating two-time winner Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the Stuttgart Open final.

“You want to be seeded at these big tournaments to protect against playing a Top 20 player in the early round – it’s great to be seeded”

Draper said that his confidence against Berrettini began to grow mid-way through the match as he continued his comeback against the powerful Italian.

“I played with a lot of courage today. these top players won’t give you anything,

“I had a sloppy game in the first set and Matteo punished me for that. I had my first chance at 5-all in the second set.

“I always believed in my game and that is what got me over the line. I stayed positive throughout the match.

“A lot of moments might not have gone my way but I also had luck at certain times.

“One point can make a difference against these players, Mentally I conducted myself well.” He added’ My first title is a win I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Main photo:- Jack Draper winning second round match at Wimbledon 2022 by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd.