Three-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist Feliciano Lopez has praised British tennis star Jack Draper for his remarkable development over the past 18 months, describing him as a "very complete player" with strong potential on grass courts. Draper's career has gained momentum since his semi-final appearance at the US Open, followed by his first Masters 1000 victory in Indian Wells. Despite falling short in the Madrid Open final to Casper Ruud, Draper remains a rising force in men's tennis. After a setback at the French Open due to illness and an early exit against Alexander Bublik, he is now preparing for key grass-court events. Lopez, who observed Draper’s talent firsthand in Madrid, acknowledges the growing dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but believes Draper can challenge the top players on grass. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

Draper’s journey has been marked by steady progression and resilience. From overcoming a shoulder injury two years ago to climbing to world No 4, his trajectory has impressed even seasoned professionals like Lopez. The Spaniard recalls being uncertain whether Draper would even be able to compete in best-of-five set matches during the 2022 US Open due to his physical condition. Fast forward to today, and Draper has not only proven his durability but also showcased elite-level performance, particularly on hard and clay courts. His triumph in Indian Wells was a breakthrough moment, and his run to the Madrid final further solidified his status among the sport's upper echelon.

The upcoming Wimbledon tournament presents a crucial opportunity for Draper to elevate his standing in the sport. According to Lopez, grass courts offer Draper the ideal surface to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz, who have collectively claimed the last six Grand Slam titles. While there remains a noticeable gap between these two dominant figures and the rest of the field, Lopez believes that Draper and Djokovic are the most likely contenders to disrupt their stranglehold—especially on the faster grass courts. Consistency will be key for Draper, as maintaining peak performance week after week is essential for making a deep run in major tournaments.

Djokovic, still chasing history with his 25th Grand Slam title, may find grass courts to be his best chance against the younger generation led by Sinner and Alcaraz. Though his recent form hasn’t matched the consistency of the current top two, his ability to push Sinner to the limit shows he remains a formidable competitor. Lopez emphasized that while the Italian and Spaniard are currently unmatched in endurance and intensity, Djokovic’s experience and adaptability give him a fighting chance, particularly on surfaces where his strengths can shine through.

Looking ahead, Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend places Draper within the group of players capable of winning Wimbledon, though he acknowledges that Sinner and Alcaraz remain the clear favorites. Draper, alongside established names like Djokovic, Medvedev, Fritz, and Musetti, represents the next tier of contenders. While beating both Sinner and Alcaraz back-to-back may be unlikely for Draper this year, reaching the final remains a realistic possibility. With the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham Club offering another competitive stage, Draper continues to build momentum toward what could be a defining Wimbledon campaign.