Jack Draper says no one can become another Rafael Nadal despite emulating Spaniard with top 5 rise at Madrid Open

Jack Draper said it is impossible to emulate Rafael Nadal on the tour. Draper has reached the final of the Madrid Open and the Brit will face Casper Ruud in the final.

On Monday, irrespective of final’s result, Draper will make it to the top five of the PIF ATP Rankings and he would become the second left-hander after Rafael Nadal to be a top five player in the rankings in the 20th century.

After winning his quarterfinal against Matteo Arnaldi, Draper said no one can become another Rafael Nadal.

“Left-handed players hitting with heavy spin on the clay. Who are the players that you’ve looked to and studied to try and emulate on this surface?” the interviewer asked.

“I mean, no one really, you know. Obviously I’ve watched Rafa growing up, but no one can be Rafa,” Jack Draper said after his win against Arnaldi.

Draper registered a 6-4, 6-0 win against the Italian. In the ongoing season, Draper has secured 19 wins in 23 matches and has ticked the right boxes.

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal won a record 14 Roland Garros in his career, which is the most for any player at a single slam.

“I mean I haven’t won 14 Roland Garros’ just yet. Rafa is obviously someone, being a lefty, that I looked up to when I was younger. I don’t sort of compare myself to him, but I’d like to think that I want to have qualities like Rafa. Whether that’s his attitude or his forehand with the shape. There are certain things I can take from him for sure, but not quite his level yet on the clay,” Jack Draper said after beating Tommy Paul in the fourth round.

Draper will take on Casper Ruud in the final of the Madrid Open.