Laura Robson Backs Jack Draper as Wimbledon Glory Comes Within Reach
It’s funny how things can change in the space of a few months in tennis. Not long ago, Laura Robson and Tim Henman were joking about the seemingly far-fetched idea of a Brit making it to the Wimbledon final this year. But now, as Jack Draper rockets up the rankings and stakes a real claim on SW19, no one’s laughing anymore — especially not Robson. In her latest reflections from Queen’s Club, she speaks with the kind of seriousness and excitement that only comes when a genuine contender emerges from your own backyard.
Jack Draper has gone from promising talent to a true force in the game. Winning Indian Wells, reaching the Madrid final, and making it to the fourth round at Roland Garros — this is no longer just potential. He’s backing it up with results. Robson acknowledges how Draper has been carrying the British charge with composure, improving his clay game, and showing physical resilience that just a year ago was in question. Now ranked No. 4 in the world, he's not just a name to watch — he’s a name to beat.
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But with success comes pressure. Draper, now a top-seeded player, has a target on his back. At the French Open, Alexander Bublik brought an inspired performance to stop Draper in his tracks. Still, the growth Draper has shown over the past 12 months is undeniable. From his early struggles on clay to reaching deep into big tournaments, he’s learning to navigate the mental and physical toll of being in the spotlight. Robson notes that Wimbledon — played on his favourite surface — might be the tournament where it all comes together for him.
While Draper’s rise is the headline, Robson also reflects on the open nature of the women’s draw. Aryna Sabalenka might be the closest thing to a favourite, but Robson says there’s space for new faces and underdogs to shine — including Brits like Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal. Coco Gauff, despite her consistent fourth-round finishes at Wimbledon, still hasn’t had that breakthrough moment on grass, leaving the door wide open.
From her new role as tournament director at the inaugural WTA 500 women’s event at Queen’s Club, Robson is seeing the game from a fresh perspective. She's no longer just watching as a pundit but helping build an event from the ground up. From managing broadcasters and creating match schedules to watching the player lounge come to life, she’s loving every moment. It’s demanding work, but deeply rewarding.
What’s clear from Robson’s tone is a genuine sense of pride and excitement about British tennis. The men have a real contender. The women’s field is wide open. And there’s a vibrant new event at Queen’s Club injecting even more energy into the grass-court swing. Wimbledon is just around the corner, and for the first time in a long time, British fans can dream big — not out of hope, but because the pieces might finally be in place.
Whether it’s Draper contending for the title or fresh British faces making surprising runs, Robson believes this summer could be something special. And now, she's not laughing — she’s ready.
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