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Jack Draper was targeted with an accusation of nepotism as he recently became the British No. 1. However he was backed by compatriot Liam Broady who refuted the claim.
A journalist cast doubt on Jack Draper's credibility in achieving the top spot, saying on X that the Briton's success was boosted by his "multi-millionaire" father, Roger Draper, who was the CEO of LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) from 2006 to 2013 while Jack grew up.
"Jack Draper becomes the youngest GB no 1, he's the son of multi millionaire Roger Draper who was the LTA CEO when Jack was growing up. There were many youngsters more talented then Jack but didn't have the finance or support to continue. This is where the LTA have really failed," he wrote.
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However, Liam Broady countered the allegation. Broady believes that Draper achieved it on his own, working harder than his peers, not just because of his father's support. He replied on the website,
"Who were the youngsters that were more talented than Jack growing up? As far as I’m aware Jack was one of very the best in his age group from an early age. Doesn’t sit right with me this tweet as he can’t help what his Dad has, works harder than anybody and is incredibly humble."
The critique further alleged that the LTA does not manage funds properly and neglects talented players from low-income families, causing them to leave the sport.
"I can almost guarantee I speak to more you GB Tennis players then he does. I can also tell you the LTA have mismanaged funds and let's loads of talented players from low income families leave the sport," he wrote.
Broady agreed to the comments regarding the issue of neglecting the underprivileged players. However, he asserted that it was unfair to target Jack Draper.
"I’m not sure about this Pavvy (the journalist) as I’m a players rep for the British men this year. I also train at the national tennis centre. I’m not disagreeing with the point of letting down players from low income backgrounds at all btw, but it’s not right to use Jack to make the point," Broady replied.
Jack Draper's monumental achievement came after he won his first ATP title at the BOSS Open and climbed up the singles rankings to No. 32.
Jack Draper faces Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the Queen Club Championships
Jack Draper will look to extend his lead as the British No. 1 as he takes on Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club Championships in the second round. The 22-year-old easily defeated Argentina's Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-2 in the first round.
Despite Draper's momentum from winning the BOSS Open, he faces a formidable Alcaraz who recently clinched the 2024 French Open title. The Spaniard also leads their head-to-head 2-0, with their previous encounter at the BNP Paribas Open last year ending in Draper's retirement during the second set.
Draper, who was a 2018 Wimbledon Championships finalist as a junior, will look to achieve a good build-up to this year's grass Major as he eyes his second ATP title this week.
