'He shuts off the crowd and the pressure': Emma Raducanu praises fellow Brit Jack Draper, reflects on Queen's Club support

Emma Raducanu spoke highly of her compatriot Jack Draper, showering him with praise and sending a message regarding the fan support awaiting him in his upcoming tournaments. The former US Open champion is currently competing at the Queen's Club Championships, its first women's edition in over 50 years.

The 22-year-old Brit has made a strong impression in London, securing a wildcard and achieving consecutive victories against Cristina Bucsa and Rebecca Sramkova, dropping an average of just two games per set. She has become the only local player to reach the tournament quarterfinals.

Raducanu has enjoyed tremendous support from the home crowd and recently secured her return as the British No. 1 for the first time since 2022. Katie Boulter's second-round loss to Diana Shnaider meant Raducanu leapfrogged her compatriot. The world No. 37 commented on the reception she's received from the local public:

"I mean, the atmosphere here, the last matches I’ve played, singles, doubles, it’s been amazing. Even for the doubles, you know, there’s full stands on a big court. It’s really nice to feel the support, feel the love and I love playing in moments like this with big crowds and, yeah, they’re all supporting me, which is nice playing is a Brit here and, yeah, I mean, it’s been a really nice event of HSBC Championships and I’m so happy that the women have an event on.”

Along those lines, Raducanu was asked if she had any words for Draper, ahead of his appearance at Queen's Club next week and then at Wimbledon starting June 30. “I know Jack is an incredible competitor, great tennis player and I think when he’s out there in those moments on the court all he is seeing that yellow tennis ball and I think he shuts off the crowd and the pressure really well. He competes incredibly well and I think he’ll do just fine.”

Draper is the men's world No. 6 and the top-ranked British male player, being the only Brit inside the top 50. He is the defending champion at Queen's Club, while at Wimbledon, he is only defending a second-round performance.