Jack Draper on court style, summer in London and life after winning Indian Wells
We chat with the world No. 6 tennis player about his tennis style icons, and how he plans to follow up his career breakthrough at Indian Wells
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THE DAY AFTER HE competed at the Davis Cup last year, Jack Draper found himself sitting front row at Burberry’s spring/summer 2025 fashion show. He was flanked by rapper Skepta, British Olympians Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Keely Hodgkinson on his right, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour on his left. A fashion show isn’t an unlikely place to find Draper, who models for the odd magazine cover here and there (he’s been signed with IMG since he was 18 years old). But it is a christening of sorts, for an athlete to be seated next to the sunglass-wearing editor – who’s also an avid tennis fan. It signals to the fashion world: this is a rising star.
In a career breakthrough, Draper won Indian Wells in March of this year, defeating Holger Rune 6–2, 6–2 in the final. The afterglow of the win provided the perfect backdrop, then, for the announcement that Draper would be joining the British heritage brand as a brand ambassador. “It’s inspiring seeing Jack represent Great Britain with such a level of commitment,” says Burberry creative director Daniel Lee, “He is already one of his generation’s most talented sportspeople.” His first assignment? Jumping off a boat in checkered swim trunks for the brand’s high summer campaign, alongside Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (who wore a checkered bikini).
Don’t expect to see the world No. 6 in a Burberry checkered kit on court, though. Draper is also a Nike athlete, repping pieces by the sportswear giant when matches are in progress. (He says he’ll be wearing Burberry designs to “nice, smart” events.)
Recently, we caught up with the Brit to chat about the ambassadorship made in sport/fashion heaven, as he discusses how he plans to follow up that Indian Wells victory, his on and off court style, and how he likes to spend a summer day in London.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
On his on and off court style
“In terms of tennis there’s quite a lot of style icons I’ve had. Rafa Nadal with his cutoff sleeves on shirts and long shorts. Then you’ve got Federer who’s sort of no sweat and very clean-cut collar.
I think in general, obviously being an athlete, we’re wearing a tracksuit most of the time. So, when I do wear casual stuff it’s usually quite plain stuff, quite simple. I think in tennis you can express all your different styles and be unique and it’s something I’ve always tried to be myself, be unique. I’m very experimental with my hair and doing lots of crazy stuff. I like to trial new things for sure.
My style is quite versatile, honestly. I can be very clean cut but then I can also be quite ragged in baggy clothes. Being sponsored by Nike in the tennis kit, I often mix it up I wear quite fitted clothes and baggy clothes. I like the feeling that even if it doesn’t look great, I’ll try it on and wear it and own it. I don’t mind what people think I just try and be myself always.”
On winning Indian Wells
“Winning my first ATP 1000 in the Indian Wells . . . [it’s] a tournament that I’ve watch growing up and watched all the greats of the game winning. It feels very surreal to me that I’m in this position now, but I guess that is just years of work that I’ve put in to get here. So hopefully I keep on surprising myself in that point of view. I think all different kinds of experiences that I’m going through with the people that are around me every day feels like we’re moving forward and experiencing new things. I suppose the Indian Worlds title meant the world to me.
I’m hoping to end the year in a strong place to keep on moving forward, keep being happy, keep being motivated doing and enjoying things that I love to do. I suppose I’m someone who doesn’t set crazy goals for myself I just try and be myself keep working hard do all the right things and listen to the people around me who are trying to help me and hopefully by the end of the year if I do all that I’ll be in a better place than I am now.”
On shooting the Burberry high summer campaign with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
“I had so much fun on the high summer campaign trip. There was amazing scenery, being on the boat and being with Rosie felt really comfortable. There was an amazing atmosphere with everyone involved. A lot of fun. One memory was being with a lovely dog who was climbing all over me, I got to pet him which was nice as I have a dog back home that I love and miss when I’m on the road. In general, just many amazing memories that I’ll hold onto for a very long time.”
On his pre-game playlist
“My music taste is very eclectic really, I’m into a lot of older stuff, a lot of Britpop. I love Oasis, I grew up listening to Oasis all the time. I’d have my headphones on before I go to bed and just close my eyes and be listening to their music. I suppose there’s a balance when my alter ego comes out as a competitor on the tennis court. I love listening to quite a lot of rap, I’m into Central Cee. I think music is a huge part of my life, it’s something that I’m always listening to keep me motivated.”
On spending his ideal summer in London
“I love the scenery, the green bushes come out, the suns out. When I go into London it’s crowded with people, lots of parks. You get a good balance between say Hyde Park and the city, it’s very relaxing. I love the Thames. There’s so many things to explore and so many places to go. Lots of shops, coffee shops and places to eat. It has everything.
My idea of a perfect summer’s day is to walk along the river near where I live, get a nice coffee, chill out, sunglasses on, feel the sun on my face and just feel like I’m taking a break. I can relax my body from what is usually tough training. Just having a relax really.”
On what he misses on tour
“I miss the UK and the culture. I miss my mum, my dog, my friends, my flat just my roots and surroundings. When you’re travelling the whole time, living out of a suitcase it’s easy to feel like you don’t know where you are most of the time whereas when I’m at home I just feel so secure and happy. I really miss my grandparents as well they live nearby so fortunate to go see them as well.”
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