Draper says run at US Open a reward for years of hard work

Draper has burst into the spotlight at Flushing Meadows, beating Alex de Minaur to become the first British man to reach the semi-finals of the US Open since Andy Murray in 2012.

The 22-year-old, who had never previously made it past the fourth round of a Grand Slam, has won just one title on the ATP Tour and spent much of 2023 sidelined by a shoulder injury.

"Last year was a real turning point for me, when I had my injury setbacks and took a lot of time off over the summer because of my shoulder injury," Draper told reporters.

"I had to watch all these young, amazing players winning amazing tournaments. I was playing on the biggest stage in the world and I felt like I just wasn't doing enough to get to that point myself.

"This is not an overnight thing for me. I've believed for a long time that I've been putting in the work and doing the right things. I knew that my time would come."

Draper has won all five of his matches at the US Open without dropping a set, but he said he was confident in his ability to be competitive over five sets.

"I've been feeling like a more complete player. Physically I've always worried a little bit about playing five sets and mentally and emotionally it being too much for me," Draper added.

"I still feel like I have got so much left in my locker. It gives me a lot of peace of mind knowing that my body feels good or robust, and I'm ready to go the distance if I need to."