The last 16 shocking losses suffered at Roland Garros are a sign of how far Draper has gone over the past year.
Twelve months ago in Paris, the 23-year-old Brit lost a slump in the first round of the No. 176 Dutchman Jesper de Jong while still figuring out what his most effective game style is.
Draper realizes that he is trying to be overly aggressive and so seeks a better balance.
A few weeks later, he won his first ATP title, which helped boost his confidence, and then he won the U.S. Open semifinals.
Improved fitness is also a key factor.
After winning the biggest championship of his career at Indian Wells Hard Courts in March, he quickly set out to use his most powerful tools (first service and forehand) on clay.
Going to the Madrid Open final showed that he had the ability to succeed on the surface, and the fifth seed matured in his first three games in Paris before being abandoned by Bublik.
“I had a hard time putting things in perspective, but I was proud of the efforts I had made on clay. I think I did improve.”
“This year, I was ranked fifth in the world and I entered the fourth round and it was very good to play tennis for the week and the week.
“I always use fuel and injury to improve myself.”
