Jack Draper, the top male tennis player from Great Britain, candidly addressed the significant backlash he received following a controversial incident during his fourth-round match at the Cincinnati Open against Félix Auger-Aliassime. Draper, who was awarded the point in question, shared his frustration and disappointment with the criticism and called for the adoption of video replay technology in tennis.
Controversy and Replay Request
A controversy arose when Draper, attempting to close out the match with a serve and volley, inadvertently hit the ball into the ground. Consequently, the ball bounced and went over the net, resulting in the point being awarded to Draper. However, the referee, Greg Allensworth, did not notice the double bounce and, despite Auger-Aliassime's protests, decided to uphold the point. Draper, who was not fully aware of what had happened at the time, suggested replaying the point if video evidence was available.
Draper expressed his deep pain regarding the situation, emphasizing that being perceived as dishonest is particularly hurtful to him. “I’ve always prided myself on being honest and a good person,” Draper said. “Seeing people question my integrity and speak negatively about me for the first time is really tough.” He acknowledged that slow-motion replays clearly showed the error but stressed that, in the heat of the moment, he was not fully aware of what had occurred.
Respect for the Opponent
Moreover, the British player praised Auger-Aliassime for his professionalism, both during the match and after the incident. “Auger-Aliassime handled it with class,” Draper noted. “If I were in his position, I’m not sure how I would have reacted.” These comments reflect his respect for his opponent's composure and highlight the importance of fair play in sports.
The incident, in turn, sparked a broader discussion about the need for video replay technology in tennis. Draper hopes that this situation will lead the sport to adopt such technology to ensure fairness and accuracy. Although the US Open has allowed players to request video replays since last year, the technology is still not widely used on the circuit. Therefore, Draper’s advocacy for video replay underscores his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.
Apart from the controversy, Draper’s performance at the Cincinnati Open was noteworthy as he reached the quarter-finals and defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas. This achievement secured him a seeded position at the upcoming US Open, where he will face Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen in the first round. Draper’s preparation for the tournament includes a significant change in his coaching team; he has parted ways with Wayne Ferreira and will now work more closely with his long-time coach, James Trotman.
Draper’s experience with criticism and his advocacy for technological advancements in tennis reflect his dedication to the sport and his resilience as an athlete. As he prepares for the US Open, Draper remains focused on his goals and committed to improving both his game and the integrity of the sport.
