
Wimbledon: Draper not focused on pressure to emulate Murray
Jack Draper insists he is not thinking about the pressure that comes with playing at Wimbledon after reaching the second round on Tuesday.
Draper had led 6-2 6-2 2-1 against Sebastian Baez in his opening match at the All England Club before the Argentine was forced to retire due to injury.
Baez appeared to be struggling with a knee problem and twice received medical attention during the second set before eventually withdrawing from the match in the third.
Draper will now take on 2017 finalist Marin Cilic in the next round following his straight-sets victory over Raphael Collignon earlier in the day.
"I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty," Draper said in his on-court interview. "It is no way to win like that, and I wish Sebastian the best in his recovery, of course."
The British number one has enjoyed a fine start to the 2025 season, lifting the Indian Wells title as well as reaching number four in the world rankings.
Sebastian Baez is forced to retire due to injury.
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 1, 2025
Jack Draper advances to R2 in #Wimbledon @Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/gPV8WbjyPV
Heading into the penultimate major of the season, Draper is among the favourites for the title, with the weight of a home crowd expectant of a first British winner since 2016.
Andy Murray was the last home favourite to triumph in SW19, beating Milos Raonic in straight sets to follow up his maiden success at Wimbledon back in 2013.
But when asked about how he deals with the pressure of delivering at the tournament, Draper placed his focus on only the things he can control.
"I don't think about it until people mention it every five minutes! I just think about what I can control and play the best tennis I can," Draper added.
"You can't think about any of that. I'm really looking forward to this next week or so. It's going to be great.
"I have to face whoever is in front of me. I can't be thinking about five matches ahead.
"I focus on whoever is up next. Everyone who is in this draw is in on their own merit. They can all play incredible tennis. Until I earn my place in the next round, I'm not there yet."