French Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz insists 'dangerous' Jack Draper 'deserves to be at the top' after rankings rise
Published 28/05/2025 at 17:58 GMT+1
Carlos Alcaraz stressed that Jack Draper "deserves to be at the top" after the Briton's rise up the world rankings. Draper has enjoyed a sublime year that has seen him reach the US open semi-finals, claim ATP titles on grass and hard court, and make it to his first clay-court final at the Madrid Open in May. Moreover, on Tuesday he won his first-ever match at Roland-Garros.
Alcaraz 'never doubted' that 'dangerous' Draper would reach the top - 'Where he deserves to be'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz insisted British No. 1 Jack Draper "deserves to be at the top" in the wake of the 23-year-old’s first-round victory over Mattia Bellucci.
Draper secured his first career French Open victory on Tuesday, dispatching Italy’s Bellucci 3-6 6-1 6-4 6-2.
The world No. 5 has propelled up the rankings in the past year, having reached the US open semi-final, won ATP titles on grass and hard court, and made it to his first clay-court final at the Madrid Open earlier in May.
And the Briton’s performances have caught the eye of reigning French Open champion Alcaraz.
"He’s a really nice person off the court," Alcaraz exclusively told TNT Sports. "Everybody has seen what he’s capable of doing on the court.
"He’s a great player. After this tournament he will reach his best ever career ranking - world No. 4 - I’m just really happy for him.
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Highlights: Alcaraz takes down Marozsan to keep title defence on course in Paris
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I’ve never had any doubt about him. I respect that he’s going to be where he deserves to be and he deserves to be at the top.
"He’s a really dangerous player. I’ve faced him a few times already but it’s great to see him at the top."
Alcaraz 'really happy' with second-round win
Alcaraz came through his second-round encounter with Fabian Marozsan 6-1 4-6 6-1 6-2 on Wednesday afternoon.
The Spaniard, who overcame a second-set blip to record his 20th victory at Roland-Garros, is aiming to become the first player since Rafael Nadal to claim consecutive French Open crowns.
He told the TNT Sport panel: "I’m really happy. I thought I played a high level of tennis. I started the match pretty well. I was really focused before every match.
"In the second set he started to play better and better. The first game he broke my serve and I think that pushed him to play better.
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"But I’m really happy to have refreshed my mind, forgetting everything that happened in the second set. I started the first set really well.
"I tried to take my chances and after that tried to keep it going and after that I played some great tennis."
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