The rise of Jack Draper is clear this season. After a rocky 2024, the Briton has bounced back strong. He faced a minor setback in the fourth round at the Australian Open, withdrawing due to a lingering hip injury. But he quickly recovered, reaching the final at the Doha Open. Then came his biggest career title at the Indian Wells Masters, a prestigious ATP 1000 event. Though he had a “lull” in Miami and Monte Carlo, his clay form stayed strong. He made the final at the Madrid Open and reached the quarterfinals at the Italian Open in Rome. Now, for the fifth seed at the French Open, Chris Evert has high hopes!

Draper will open his Roland Garros campaign against Mattia Bellucci. Many expect him to shine on clay, where he holds a 9-3 record this season. Speaking to TNT, tennis legend and commentator Chris Evert shared her thoughts on his performance so far.

“I’m surprised that he’s playing this well on the clay,” she said. “He hasn’t been known to be a clay-court player; he hasn’t been known to be consistent like an adult.” Draper’s 2025 clay season stands out compared to other top American ATP players. With a 9-3 record, including a Madrid Open final and Rome quarterfinal, he outpaces many of his compatriots.

Tommy Paul also sports a 9-3 clay record, with a Rome semifinal and a first-round win at Roland Garros. Taylor Fritz is at 3-4 and lost in the first round. Frances Tiafoe stands at 8-6, advancing to round two. Ben Shelton is 7-4 and reached round three after his opponent retired. But none have matched Draper’s deep runs or consistent form on clay.

Evert noted, “He seems to have a more professional approach to the game. He seems to be more disciplined.” At the Madrid Open, the Briton made a stunning run to his first ATP clay-court final. He beat tough opponents, including Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals, without dropping a set. He lost a close three-set final to Casper Ruud (5-7, 6-3, 4-6).

This run boosted Jack Draper to a career-high world No. 5 ranking. Building on that, he reached the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets (4-6, 4-6). As Evert added, “He’s awfully fit. He looks fitter than I’ve seen before. That is really translating into his tennis as far as his movement and his agility and even his power.”

It’s looking up for Draper as he enters his third French Open. Chris Evert holds out hope for the young star. And tennis great John McEnroe echoes her optimism!

ATP legend can’t help but laud Jack Draper’s prowess

Tennis legend John McEnroe is excited about Jack’s chances at the 2025 French Open. Though the 23-year-old Brit hasn’t won a match at Roland Garros in 2023 or 2024, McEnroe sees major potential. “I’m really impressed by Jack, his progress. I’ve got to say he’s become extremely formidable,” he told Reuters. Draper is now a real threat, standing alongside stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, even if he’s in Sinner’s tough quarter.

McEnroe also praised Draper’s future beyond Paris. “He’s put himself in a position where, well, if he doesn’t win (the French Open), he’s certainly going to be one of the top couple of favorites at Wimbledon and he’s going to be extremely difficult to beat.” He added, “I’m really impressed by his maturity and just his level the last year. So Jack’s going to be doing some incredible things in the future.”

Draper is set to face Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in his opening match. He holds a 1-0 lead in their head-to-head, having beaten Bellucci in Tokyo last year. With his growing clay confidence, Draper looks ready to keep the momentum going and aim for a deep run at Roland Garros.

Will Jack finally break through at the French Open? Can he shake off past early exits and make a splash this time? Share your thoughts below!