Jack Draper (left) and Jannik Sinner at the 2024 US Open. © ANSA / JOHN G. MABANGLO

Sinner's Dilemma: A Friend Becomes a Rival

Off the court, Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper maintain a close friendship. The latter has now moved into the top 5 of the world rankings—a dilemma for Sinner?

June 01, 2025

From: never

On September 6, 2024, the moment finally arrived: Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper faced off on the big stage, in the semifinals of the US Open, where the future of the tennis world was at stake. Sinner ultimately emerged victorious, beating his British challenger in three sets (7-5, 7-6, 6-2). Two days later, the 23-year-old bagged his second Grand Slam title of the year. His duel with Draper, however, was by no means just another one—it had a special character.

"Jack and I have known each other for quite a long time. We have gotten to know each other better now that he has reached the level we play at," Sinner was told by TNT Sports quoted. "We've built a great friendship because we're very similar as people. We're humble. I've always been his biggest fan." Especially in recent months, Sinner has realized the importance of this special connection. Looking ahead to the French Open, it raises hopes for a controversial clash.

Draper supported Sinner during suspension

Sinner was suspended for three months in the wake of the doping scandal surrounding him. During this time, Draper was one of the people who stood by the superstar from Sesto. "His support meant a lot to me. I really, really appreciate it when someone supported me during that time. It was very good for me; it was positive energy," Sinner reflected.

"But now he's reached another level. Things have changed a little." Jannik Sinner

After reaching the round of 16 at the French Open against Jiri Lehecka ( 6:0, 6:1, 6:2), the world number one was again asked about his connection to Draper. "I'm good friends with him. I'm very happy to have him as a friend," Sinner said, addressing how Draper's meteoric rise has changed their interactions. After all, the Brit, who won the Indian Wells Masters this season, is ranked fifth in the world, making him one of Sinner's top targets. "But now he's reached a different level. It's become a little different."

Sinner: “I always love playing against him”

After his suspension expired, Draper became one of Sinner's first training partners, along with Matteo Berrettini. However, according to the three-time Grand Slam champion, this lively on-court interaction will change somewhat in the future. "We're very good friends off the court, but we're training a little less together now because we know we could hopefully meet in later rounds of tournaments," he noted, emphasizing his anticipation of such a duel. "I always love playing against him."

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner are good friends. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

Looking ahead, Sinner is convinced that his friend will achieve great things. "He'll have an incredible career, I'm sure of it. I wish him only the best," says the Sextner. "He might even be the most consistent player on the tour this year."

Quarterfinal between Sinner and Draper?

At this year's French Open, the pair are in the round of 16 and will battle for a ticket to the next round on Monday. While Sinner faces Andrey Rublev in the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Draper will play his fourth match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, facing Kazakh Alexander Bublik. Should both win their match, Sinner and Draper would face off in the quarterfinals. It would mark another special chapter in their friendship.