"We were saying, Jannik Sinner's not the best player" - Jack Draper recalls first meeting with World No.1

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner, who have both secured their respective spots in the 2024 US Open quarterfinals, have come a long way from being talented juniors. While Sinner has reached the pinnacle of the sport, Draper is also starting to find his footing on the big stage.

Draper, who will be playing in the last eight of a Slam for the first time in his career, spoke about his and Sinner’s time on the junior circuit during his post-match press conference after securing a straight-set victory over Tomas Machac on September 2.

Recalling Sinner not being the best junior, Draper said they would in fact target him when playing doubles as he was often considered the weak link on the court.

"The first time I met Jannik Sinner was, we were an Under-18 tournament," Jack Draper said. [at 3:00] "I think I played him in the doubles... I didn't know him but it was strange, you know, following his journey because when he was younger he was probably not one of the best juniors."

"I remember playing him in doubles and we were saying 'oh hit to him', you know because he's not the best player on the court," he recalled [at 3:20].

The Briton said seeing Sinner transition onto the senior circuit and achieve the sort of success that he has enjoyed, including rising to the World No. 1 ranking, has been great.

"Obviously watching his progress... really getting to the top-20 very quickly when when all of us were kind of No. 300, No. 400 in the world. I've obviously followed him and always think he's, he's really well-mannered and an amazing, amazing guy and good for the sport," the Briton said. [3:30]

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Jack Draper, Jannik Sinner amid strong runs at US Open

Jack Draper is through to his first Slam quarterfinal at the 2024 US Open (Credits: Getty)

Jannik Sinner opened his US Open campaign with a tight four-set win over Mackenzie McDonald. He has followed that up with three consecutive straight-set wins over Alex Michelsen, Chris O’Connell and Tommy Paul.

Draper, meanwhile, is yet to drop a single set at the tournament, having beaten Zhang Zhizhen, Facundo Díaz Acosta, Botic van de Zandschulp and Tomas Machac.

Sinner is set to play former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Draper, meanwhile, will lock horns with Alex de Minaur in his quarterfinal encounter.