Jack Draper

DavidC · Tennis legend

Jack Draper

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Yes, glad he has his own thread now, thankyou. Apart from The young sports personality nomination he has had no mentions on BBC Sport/tennis re his recent wins at all. Perhaps they never report futures wins, but because of his age I would have thought it could have had a mention. Plenty of links from the Lagos Open for them to use. He wont get many votes if folk arent reminded of his achievements.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Great that Jack has made the list but perhaps a year or two too early to be a serious contender.

indiana · Tennis legend

It is either this year or next for Jack since it is for these aged 17 or under on 1 January of the year in question.

For that age range and looking at the shortlist of 10 in the above link ( most of whom admittedly I don't know at all ) I would imagine Jack's achievements must be right up there.

By the way up to now it has been some sort of judging panel that decides Young SPOTY rather than by public vote. I imagine that it will be that way again this year.

Indeed, I see that, although presented at big SPOTY in December, the Young SPOTY winner will be initially announced this coming Sunday, 21/10.

-- Edited by indiana on Thursday 18th of October 2018 05:57:12 PM

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Take Ryan Sessegnon who is probably the highest profile athlete in the group he has consistently performed at an elite level against men for the last 2 years dominating in the championship last year and transitioning to the premiership with ease, Jack has had a great 6 months assuming he maintains it he will be a very strong contender next year.

indiana · Tennis legend

It is Young SPOTY, not Young SPOT2Y.

Granted Sessegnon is very good for his age. Whether this season so far he has impressed in the Premier League quite as much as some expected is debatable. But it's tough and he is very young.

All I was really saying anyway is that I would certainly consider Jack a worthy nominee this year and possible serious contendor.

-- Edited by indiana on Thursday 18th of October 2018 08:35:56 PM

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

Oakland2002 wrote:
Great that Jack has made the list but perhaps a year or two too early to be a serious contender.

Agreed on this, again I feel its the middle class powers at be pushing this, they always have say when it comes to awards of prominence especially where the government controlled BBC are Im charge. Far more deserving contenders on the list. Next year if his progress is into the top 200 then there woul be more merit than winning a few weak ITFs packed with plodders and holidaymakers.

Its maybe just a token to push the PR on his name whilst recognising his ranking at a young age which makes sense in some regards.

The Knight · Challenger qualifying

He's not that far off where Andy was when he won in 2004, and 8 months younger.

It probably helps that tennis is one of the few sports where the junior events have real prominence within the media, and as an individual sport it's easy to identify potential nominees

Oakland2002 · All-time great

To be fair he is a fantastic prospect well worth a nomination but Ryan Sessegnon he is not. Last week there was a great article about 8 lads all from South London (Lambeth, Lewisham, Brockley, Camberwell, Croydon etc.. ), Ryan (Ironically from Roehampton) is one all in the England U21s. Regardless of how you view the worlds only ranked 14 year old tennis player he is from exactly the same background and hopefully increased equity of opportunity will see more such young players emerge.

-- Edited by Oakland2002 on Friday 19th of October 2018 05:02:46 PM

indiana · Tennis legend

Jack certainly isn't Ryan Sessegnon, nor vice versa. Sessegnon is a footballer who plays for Fulham and England U21s.

I think as with the main SPOTY it can be very difficult to make comparisons across sports and people will have numerous different criteria they will apply.

Sessignon might well win it, Jack might, someone else might. We'll see soon enough ( and probably still disagree ).

indiana · Tennis legend

Well, neither Draper or Sessegnon are in the final 3 :

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2018/young-spoty-top-3

Madadman · Top national player

Jack is showing on the list of Alts for Champaign in 3 weeks time. I guess this might mean he intends to sign in for Qualifying.
twitter.com/illiniprotennis/status/1054825988700467200

JonH · All-time great

Found this on MTF - Jack is younger than everyone ranked ahead of him. Others probably new that anyway!

www.menstennisforums.com/2730-advanced-discussions/686785-players-who-younger-than-everyone-ranked-ahead-them-5.html

Toby · Lower Club Player

M25 Barnstaple is his next tournament, Feb 11-17 Tarka Tennis Centre.

Toby · Lower Club Player

Tough first round match v 5th seed Johannes HAERTEIS ranked 381. First on today.