Jack Draper believes Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were “feeling really tired and emotionally a bit drained” at this year’s US Open as he admitted he was “not surprised” that they were feeling the effects of the Paris Olympics.
The tennis world was stunned on back-to-back days at the final Grand Slam of the year as first reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz was upset in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp and a day later Alexei Popyrin sent defending champion Djokovic packing from the tournament.
It is the first time since 2000 that two of the top three seeds have exited the tournament in the first week, leaving the draw wide open although world No 1 Jannik Sinner remains the heavy favourite to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows.
Draper, who defeated Alcaraz’s conqueror Van de Zandschulp in the third round, feels the Paris Olympics has left a lot of players drained.
Djokovic and Alcaraz played in the gold medal match at Roland Garros with the former going on to win his maiden Olympic title with many now questioning whether or not he has any motivation left to continue playing as he has fulfilled his lifelong ambition.
“It is obviously weird but I think both of them obviously played the Olympic final. I think that’s taken a lot out of them,” Draper said.
“It’s taken a lot out of everyone, but they obviously made the finals, and it was emotional for both of them. Obviously Novak, that was probably his biggest goal, and to come through that is obviously emotionally challenging to sort of have a rest and then come here.
“Same with Carlos as well. He’s achieved so much this year, winning the French and Wimbledon. I’m not surprised that they’re probably feeling really tired and emotionally a bit drained.”
British No 1 Draper, though, says credit should be given to Van de Zandschulp and Popyrin as they played well.
He added: “But I watched both the matches, and I thought Botic played an incredibly high level of tennis against Alcaraz.
“Even Popyrin last night, he won Montreal. I watched the opening two sets before I went to bed. I didn’t honestly feel like Djokovic was playing incredibly badly. Maybe his serve was a bit below par, but I felt like Popyrin played an incredible match as well.
“There’s a lot of players on the tour at the moment who are really dangerous and on their day can play an amazing match against the best players in the world.”
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