Jack Draper pays tribute to his grandfather by pointing him out in the crowd at the Queen's Club... after the British No 1 seals monumental victory against Carlos Alcaraz
Jack Draper bested world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's Club on Thursday After the victory, the Brit pointed out his grandfather, Chris, in the stands He stated he was 'incredibly lucky to have such amazing people supporting me'
Jack Draper paid tribute to his grandfather Chris after the best win of his life against Carlos Alcaraz at the Queen’s Club.
The 22-year-old British No 1 pointed him out in the crowd after the 7-6, 6-3 win in the last 16 of the cinch Championships, and afterwards expanded on the role he has played in his tennis career.
‘I have my grandad here, he's just turned 80, his wife Brenda, my nan, she sort of introduced us to tennis,’ said Draper.
‘But unfortunately she's had dementia for the last 12 years and he's been looking after her. So I have done some stuff with the Alzheimer's charity.
‘Even though she doesn't understand what's going on, it's amazing for him to be here, be a part of tennis, be a part of my success.
Jack Draper (pictured) paid tribute to his grandfather following his win vs Carlos Alcaraz
He bested world No 2 Alcaraz (pictured) in straight sets at Queen's Club on Thursday
Draper paid homage to his grandparents, stating his grandmother was the one who got him into playing tennis
'He lives and breathes it. He's always on the live rankings, Resultina, all that stuff.
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BREAKING NEWS
Brit No 1 Jack Draper beats reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's in straight sets
'Like, “What's this person doing, you know, in the 15K, wherever it is in the world?” I say, “I don't know. Just give me a day off tennis, mate”.’
Draper had to miss Chris’s 80th birthday celebrations, which happened when Draper was on his way to winning the title in Stuttgart last week.
The world No 31 has a tight-knit group of people around him – and that will be vitally important as the trappings of his increased fame begin to arrive.
‘My friends from my old school, I got them tickets a couple of times seeing me play,’ he said. ‘They're at uni doing their own thing.
'It's just amazing for them to watch obviously me play on such a big court in front of a lot of people.
Draper stated that he had an 'amazing group of people supporting him' and said he was glad his grandad got to watch him seal victory on Thursday
Draper (pictured) came into the tournament fresh from clinching victory against Matteo Berrettini in the final of the ATP 250 in Stuttgart
‘I'm incredibly lucky to have such amazing people support me on a daily basis.
'That's kind of what brings the glue together as a tennis player, because it's such an individual sport and it's so relentless and tiring and there is a lot of things that go into it. Very lucky to have such amazing people.’