Jack Draper Reflects on Andy Murray’s Wimbledon Legacy After Disappointing Exit
Jack Draper has gained a fresh appreciation for Andy Murray’s remarkable Wimbledon victories after facing a tough second-round loss to Marin Cilic on Thursday. The British number one fell short with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 against the 2017 finalist, marking him as the 19th seeded player to exit this year’s prestigious tournament.
After the match, Draper, currently ranked fourth in the world, expressed his admiration for Murray’s achievements: "It makes me think that Andy’s accomplishment of winning here twice is just unbelievable."
The 23-year-old Draper couldn’t hide his disappointment and frustration, describing it as one of the most challenging losses of his career. He acknowledged Cilic’s superior performance on the day, stating, "Very frustrated. Obviously, really upset."
Despite being well-suited physically for grass court tennis, Draper admitted he has faced significant challenges on the surface this season. "This year has really highlighted that I’ve struggled on grass," he said candidly. "There’s a misconception that just because I’m a 6’4" lefty, I should be incredible on grass. I’m determined to change that perception and make it a surface where I can excel."
Draper also shared his concerns regarding the new Electronic Line Calling system implemented at this year’s Championships, which has replaced traditional line judges. "I don’t think it’s 100% accurate, to be honest," he remarked. "A few calls today showed marks on the court that wouldn’t have been visible with chalk. I think it’s a shame that umpires aren’t involved, although it does alleviate some concerns about line calls for players."
Cilic’s victory was particularly poignant as it marked a significant milestone in his comeback following two knee surgeries. The 36-year-old Croatian, now ranked 80th in the world, was competing at Wimbledon for the first time since 2021. "My emotions are just incredible," said Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion. "Where I was two years ago, I can’t even describe. It’s been a long journey, but I never lost faith."
His triumph over Draper not only showcased his enduring talent but also added another compelling storyline to a tournament filled with surprises among the seeded players.
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