Jack Draper praises Novak Djokovic as the true inspiration of tennis.

Jack Draper, one of the emerging talents in British tennis, has lavished praise on Novak Djokovic, calling him the greatest player of all time. The young athlete’s statement comes in the wake of the Serbian icon’s impressive performance in the recent 2026 Australian Open final. With this, Djokovic not only reached his 11th final in the Australian competition but also became the oldest player to reach this stage at 38 years and 255 days old. A true demonstration of longevity and determination that leaves all tennis lovers in awe.

At 38 years old, Djokovic made history by becoming the oldest finalist at the Australian Open and the oldest in Grand Slam finals since Ken Rosewall, who competed in the 1974 US Open final at 39. His journey to the final included an exhilarating victory over world number 2 Jannik Sinner in a five-set semifinal that had fans on the edge of their seats. Although he faced Carlos Alcaraz in the final and lost in four sets, Djokovic’s resilience and performance remain a landmark in the sport.

In an interview with The National, Draper emphasized the impact Djokovic has had on his career, describing him as an example of “true greatness” and “a true inspiration.” He stated, “Nothing surprises me about Novak. To me, he is the greatest tennis player of all time. He is a role model for everyone, showing longevity and true greatness.” The former world number 4 highlighted Djokovic’s incredible achievement, having already won the Australian Open 10 times and now competing in his 11th final.

Draper, who recently made his long-awaited return from a stress injury to his left arm, competed again in Britain’s victory over Norway in the Davis Cup, where he defeated Viktor Durasovic with a convincing 6-2, 6-2. This return marks a crucial moment in his career, given that he had not played since being forced to withdraw from the US Open last August. Currently ranked 15th in the world, the British tennis player is taking his first steps in his recovery on the ATP Tour during the Dubai Championships.

Questioned about the state of his recovery, Draper admitted: “It’s hard to say at this moment. I’m at the end of my process. But I think I will be in a position to play fully and compete week after week, without a doubt.” He also added that his recovery routines have changed, emphasizing the importance of taking care of his body: “I’m trying to sleep more and improve my recovery. I understand much more the value of my body.” Draper also reflected on the importance of balancing effort and rest, acknowledging that “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

The impact of Djokovic on tennis is undeniable, and Draper’s words not only highlight the admiration that the young player has for the Serbian, but also reflect the inspiration that Djokovic continues to provide to generations of athletes. The tennis world is eagerly watching what the future holds for both players as Draper seeks to solidify his place among the greats of the sport.