News Now: Jack Draper will spend a week of the pre-season in Alicante, at the Ferrero tennis academy, to train with Carlos Alcaraz .

In an exciting development for British tennis, young rising star Jack Draper has announced that he will be spending a week of his pre-season training at the renowned Ferrero Tennis Academy in Alicante, Spain. The 21-year-old from the UK will have the unique opportunity to train alongside one of tennis’s most promising talents, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. The collaboration between Draper and Alcaraz, who both possess immense potential and competitive drive, is set to be a game-changing moment in the young Brit’s career.

The decision to join forces at the Ferrero Tennis Academy—a world-class facility co-founded by former world number 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero—shows Draper’s commitment to improving his game and preparing for the challenges of the new season. The time spent training with Alcaraz, a player widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and technically gifted athletes on the ATP tour, offers Draper invaluable exposure to a high level of competition and skill development.

The Significance of Training with Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, just 20 years old, has already taken the tennis world by storm. His meteoric rise through the ranks of professional tennis has made him one of the sport’s brightest stars. With a playing style marked by explosive power, exceptional movement, and mental fortitude, Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2022 and followed it up with victories at major tournaments. His playing style, particularly his ability to dominate from the baseline and his proficiency at both attacking and defending, is something that Draper can learn a lot from.

For Jack Draper, who has steadily built his career and showcased his potential with strong performances on the ATP Tour, training alongside Alcaraz is a dream opportunity. Draper’s game is also built around aggressive baseline play, and he will undoubtedly benefit from the chance to learn from Alcaraz’s technique, tactical awareness, and adaptability on court. Whether it’s Alcaraz’s powerful forehand or his ability to maintain composure under pressure, Draper will get first-hand exposure to the skills that make the Spaniard one of the most feared players in the sport.

More than just a training partner, Alcaraz’s presence will provide Draper with insights into the mindset of a player at the very top of the sport. The mental aspect of tennis is often overlooked, but it is crucial for any player striving to reach the next level. Alcaraz’s maturity, competitive spirit, and winning mentality have been key factors in his rise, and Draper can only benefit from studying those traits up close.

The Ferrero Tennis Academy: A Hub of Excellence

The Ferrero Tennis Academy, located in the sunny region of Alicante, Spain, is renowned for developing some of the most talented young players in the sport. Co-founded by former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, the academy is designed to provide world-class training and facilities for aspiring tennis professionals. With a focus on individual development, the academy offers tailored programs that cover everything from technical aspects to physical conditioning, as well as mental and tactical preparation.

The academy’s state-of-the-art facilities include high-quality hard courts, clay courts, and a gym designed for the needs of elite athletes. The combination of training resources, the expertise of coaches, and the opportunity to compete with and learn from other top-level players creates an environment ideal for growth and improvement. Both Draper and Alcaraz, who trained at the academy in their formative years, understand the importance of such a setting in nurturing their development.

For Draper, the academy offers the chance to immerse himself in a top-tier environment and work with leading experts in the field. The structured training, coupled with the opportunity to work with a player like Alcaraz, will provide Draper with the tools to elevate his game in the months leading up to the new season.

Draper’s Career: A Steady Rise

Jack Draper’s journey to the upper echelons of tennis has been a story of steady progress. The London-born player first made waves on the ATP Challenger Tour, where he won his first title in 2021, and soon transitioned to competing at the ATP level. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, defeating established players along the way, and solidified his place among the next generation of tennis stars.

Draper’s powerful serve and groundstrokes make him a formidable opponent on any surface, and his physicality and maturity on court suggest that he is capable of achieving great things. However, injuries have often interrupted his progression, and Draper will be keen to put these setbacks behind him as he prepares for the 2024 season.