Just last month, a jubilant Jack Draper basked in glory as he clinched his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, toppling Denmark’s Holger Rune in a sensational final. “All the work I’ve done over the last few years, it feels like it’s all coming together on the big stage and I can’t put that into words,” he beamed, overwhelmed with emotion. The victory held deeper meaning for Draper, who had battled a series of injuries, from shoulder and abdominal woes in 2023 to hip tendinitis earlier this year. Now, as he steps into the Monte Carlo Masters with momentum on his side, the British no. 1 has lightened the mood of his fans by sharing a hilarious memory from his younger days.

The British No. 1 stormed into the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Marcos Giron on Tuesday. Riding high after his Indian Wells triumph, Draper is eyeing his second ATP 1000 title of the season. 

Despite clay not being his strongest surface, the 23-year-old made a statement, dismantling the 45th seed with precision and flair, claiming five straight games to seal the match. In the on-court interview after his victory, Draper reflected on a funny incident that had everyone laughing.

The interviewer brought up a quirky memory from Draper’s past, one shared by his childhood coach, Justin Sherring, who recalled a bizarre moment from an Indian tournament where a masseuse showed up wearing a butcher’s apron. Draper instantly burst into laughter, remembering the odd scene vividly. Adding to the hilarity, he chimed in cheekily, saying: “I remember that massage. I was telling the guy to just not go as deep on my legs. I was crying. He turned around at the end. I thought he didn’t speak English. He said, ‘I thought you meant to go deeper.’ I was like… Oh my God.”

Justin Sherring, who revisited the tale just two days ago on the podcast named Diary of a Professional Tennis Coach, often shares fond and revealing childhood anecdotes about Jack Draper. Having coached Draper from the tender age of 5 until he was 15, Sherring witnessed the early spark of a future star. Even a couple of years ago, the former coach reflected on Draper’s journey, offering not just heartwarming memories but also valuable insights into the Brit’s fiercely competitive spirit on the court that shaped him into the player he is today.

Talking to the PA news agency, he said, “We were really competitive with each other, but we’re really, really good mates now. He was crazy competitive, a natural-born sort of fighter. He just wanted to win so badly. I basically put his whole game together over the years, You don’t really do a lot of work post-15; you’re just waiting for the players to grow and mature because at 15, he certainly wasn’t the beast he is today. he wasn’t 6ft 4in. He’s got weapons now.”

While his childhood coach has been heaping praise on him, Draper has also shed light on his current form.

“Got something to prove,” Jack Draper opens up after his first win at the Monte Carlo Masters

Jack Draper kicked off his clay court season in style, delivering a commanding performance against Giron. The British No. 1 needed just 61 minutes to secure his first top-50 win on clay in two years, a major milestone after a challenging run on the surface last season, marked by narrow three-set losses and early tournament exits. Now returning as a top-10 player and reigning Masters 1000 champion, Draper came with a point to prove. And, following his victory, he reflected proudly on his noticeable improvements and growing confidence on clay.

“I felt like last year, I was playing well, obviously not the player I think I am now, not as confident, not as physically and mentally strong as I am now. But I felt like last year was playing some good levels. I just couldn’t get my feet off the ground, having some really tight losses here and Madrid and places like that. So I think this year I feel really pumped up like I’ve got something to prove,” the World No. 6 said.

Draper lit it up with 21 winners against Giron, including five aces, showcasing the same firepower that earned him the Indian Wells title. Now into the last 16 at Monte Carlo for the first time, the 23-year-old awaits his next opponent in either Tomas Etcheverry or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Given his momentum, confidence, and newfound composure on clay, will we see Jack Draper lift the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 title this time?