Draper’s potential has been clear from a young age and, having struggled with his fitness in his early years, he is now starting to realise it.
Two years ago, Draper lamented being the “guy who is always injured” and ultimately had to withdraw from Wimbledon with a shoulder issue.
That led to a concerted effort to improve his strength and stamina.
Building a robust and durable body to withstand the rigours of the ATP Tour has been the key factor in his impressive rise.
The hard graft started with fitness trainer Steve Kotze and physio Will Herbert before Draper reshaped his team with Matt Little and Shane Annun – long-time associates of Andy Murray – filling those same roles.
Winning a trio of gruelling five-setters at January’s Australian Open indicated he had become a different beast, and his ability to outlast opponents physically has continued over the past six months.
After reaching the Queen’s semi-finals last week, Draper joked he previously “looked like a bit of a Ferrari, but I was a bit of a Toyota” because his body used to break down easily.
Now, standing at 6ft 4in and looking increasingly muscular, that perception has changed, with Alexander Bublik remarking the Briton looks like he is “getting ready for UFC”.