French Open 2025: What Jack Draper must do to bridge gap to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Jack Draper’s 2025 season has been a breakthrough year, highlighted by his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and a runner-up finish at the Madrid Open. However, his journey at Roland Garros ended in the fourth round with a four-set loss to Alexander Bublik, who then succumbed to Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals . Meanwhile, Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have continued to solidify their positions at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, both reaching the semifinals in Paris . For Draper to close the gap on these elite players, several strategic and developmental areas require attention.

1. Enhancing Physical Resilience and Injury Management

Draper’s career has been intermittently hindered by injuries, including a hip issue that led to his withdrawal from the 2025 United Cup and a retirement during the Australian Open fourth round against Alcaraz . In contrast, Sinner and Alcaraz have demonstrated remarkable physical endurance, with Sinner extending his Grand Slam winning streak to 19 matches . To compete consistently at the highest level, Draper must prioritize a comprehensive fitness regimen that emphasizes injury prevention, recovery, and sustained physical conditioning.

2. Developing Tactical Versatility on Clay Courts

While Draper has shown prowess on hard courts, his clay-court game requires refinement to match the adaptability of Sinner and Alcaraz. Alcaraz’s recent victory over Sinner in the Italian Open final, where he employed a mix of drop shots and net play, exemplifies the tactical diversity needed on clay . Draper should focus on incorporating varied shot selections, such as slices and drop shots, and improving his movement and point construction on clay surfaces.

3. Strengthening Mental Fortitude in High-Stakes Matches

Mental resilience is a hallmark of champions. Sinner’s composed performance in his straight-sets victory over Bublik and Alcaraz’s dominant display against Tommy Paul, where he conceded only one game in the first two sets, highlight their psychological edge . Draper must cultivate a stronger mental game to navigate the pressures of critical match moments, maintain focus, and execute strategies under duress.

4. Gaining Experience Against Top-Tier Opponents

Draper’s notable win over Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinals indicates his potential to challenge top players . However, consistent exposure to high-caliber opponents is essential for growth. Engaging in more matches against top-10 players will provide Draper with insights into diverse playing styles and the opportunity to adapt his strategies accordingly.

5. Embracing Continuous Improvement and Adaptability

Both Sinner and Alcaraz exemplify the importance of continuous development. Sinner, despite his achievements, acknowledges the need to improve on various surfaces . Draper should adopt a similar mindset, seeking feedback, analyzing performances, and making necessary adjustments to his training and gameplay. Embracing adaptability will be crucial in navigating the evolving dynamics of professional tennis.

In conclusion, Jack Draper’s ascent in the tennis world is promising, but bridging the gap to the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will require a multifaceted approach. By focusing on physical conditioning, tactical versatility, mental strength, experience accumulation, and continuous improvement, Draper can position himself as a formidable contender in future Grand Slam tournaments.