Jack Draper has been an ardent Manchester United admirer for years now. Time and again, he’s expressed his unending craze for the Red Devils. But let’s be honest, Man U hasn’t been Man U since the retirement of their legendary manager – Sir Alex Ferguson. They haven’t a Premier League title since 2013. Their local rivals, Manchester City, on the other hand, have won the Premiership seven times in the same time period and are currently the defending champions of the league. Following Man U’s underwhelming performances in recent years, particularly this season, Draper, the ardent fanboy, seems to have had a change of heart. So much so, that the 23-year-old now has no issues with Man U’s arch nemesis Man City anymore. Yep, you read that right!

Last year, Draper was left disheartened by the way Man U began their season. Before their opening match against Fulham, in early August, the British No. 1 was hopeful of a solid start. And guess what, Man U even managed to register a victory over Fulham. However, a loss in the next match against Brighton left Draper upset. In an interaction with Sky Sports last August, he said, “You know it’s tough to take it as a Man United fan, but obviously, it’s a long season ahead. So, hopefully, we keep on going and try to win.”

United’s inconsistency over the past few seasons has been really disappointing for the fans. In 2023-24, they finished eighth in the Premiership with 60 points. And this current season (2024-25), they are struggling quite significantly, slipping to the 14th spot in the table. Six matches are, however, still remaining before the season concludes next month. But it appears Draper’s hardcore fanboyism for United has taken a hit eventually. He’s now fine appreciating other teams as well, even the arch-rivals.

In a video clip uploaded by overtimetennis on Instagram, dated April 16, the Brit was asked an interesting question. “She’s a ten but supports Man City,” the interviewer asked, putting Draper in a hypothetical situation. And, Draper’s response was interesting. “No, I’ve… there are too many football matches these days. I’ve let go of the hate, all that sort of stuff, you know. Manchester United…obviously, big big fan. But I’m just, I’ve let go of the traumas of the past, and I’ve moved on. So if she’s a ten, supports Man City, fair game,” he quipped.

While Draper has let go of the hate by his own admission, he’s still a fan of Man U – no matter what. And, even Man U extended their support to him in the past. The 13-time Premier League champions had written a heartwarming message for the Brit ahead of his US Open semifinal battle against Jannik Sinner last year.

“We’re wishing British tennis star Jack Draper the very best of luck, as he prepares for his big US Open semi-final. The 22-year-old hails from Surrey and is a big Manchester United fan, watching us play whenever he has a spare moment between matches,” the club’s official website wrote back in September 2024.

While Draper’s soccer love is undeniable, what about his own game on the court this season? Well, it doesn’t seem to be going that well after the historic Indian Wells triumph.

Jack Draper struggles to maintain winning momentum

Last month, Jack Draper etched his name in history books as he lifted his maiden ATP 1000 Masters trophy at the Indian Wells. In the summit clash, he outperformed Holger Rune with a score line of 6-2, 6-2. But in the following two events, the World No. 6 has been unimpressive.

In the second tournament of the Sunshine Double, in Miami, he couldn’t even win his opening match, as he was ousted by the eventual champion Jakub Mensik with a score line of 7-6(2), 7-6(3) in R32. Then at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, he failed again. Despite winning the opening R32 encounter against Marcos Giron, the Brit couldn’t maintain the consistency and got eliminated by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who beat him in R16 with a score line of 6-3, 6-7, 6-4.

Moving ahead in the clay-court season, the Brit will look to bounce back. His next event will be the Madrid Open, starting April 21. It’s, however, not yet confirmed who will be his first-round opponent. Are you backing Draper to regain his form in Madrid? Let us know in the comments below.