Jack Draper’s Wimbledon journey is set to start today against Elias Ymer

We have spoken to the Assistant Head of tennis star Jack Draper’s former school, ahead of the 22-year-old beginning his Wimbledon campaign today.

Alex Gainer is the Assistant Head of Parkside School in Cobham, which the British Number One attended.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Alex told us that the signs of Jack’s talent were there from a young age.

“Seeing him play tennis against a 13 year old, this was when Jack was 8. All the school came down to watch because they knew Jack was a serious player.

“To see him play someone who was five years older than him and make this boy run around, and Jack showed his talent at that age there. It was a really incredible thing to see.

Jack Draper is set to face Swedish player Elias Ymer in the first round of Wimbledon today. His best run at the All England Club so far is an appearance in the second round in 2022, with his best run in a Grand Slam being when he got to the fourth round of the US Open in 2023.

However, the tennis player, who was born in Sutton and brought up in Ashtead, has made headlines this year – winning his first title on the ATP Tour when he lifted the Stuttgart Open in June, before beating current Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets at Queen’s.

“It has been an incredible thing to see, how our boys have inspired to be like Jack” said Alex. “They get to go out on the same court that Jack would train on for hours and hours, and get to try and be the next Jack Draper.”

“He’s shown throughout his career that he;s got all the tools to harm even the best players in the world. All of us here at PArkside will be watching him every single shot and hoping that he can go all the way and be Wimbledon champion. If not this year, than in the future… I think he can do it.”

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