Jack Draper: From Tennis Courts to Fashion Runways (and Why Burberry's Obsessed)

By Lewis Barnett 3 April, 2025 6 mins read 21 Views

Holy crap, I never thought I'd see the day when British tennis players would become fashion icons. But here we are in 2025, and Jack Draper—our homegrown tennis heartthrob—just landed himself a sweet gig with Burberry. And I'm not even slightly jealous. (Okay, maybe a little.)

I've been following Draper's career since 2021 when my tennis-obsessed brother wouldn't shut up about this "next big thing." Now the 23-year-old Surrey boy is not just smashing tennis balls but apparently hearts too.

The Pretty Boy Can Actually Play

Let's be real for a second. Tennis has always had its share of good-looking players who get more attention than their ranking deserves. Remember when Anna Kournikova was on every magazine cover despite never winning a singles title? But Draper's different.

The kid can actually play.

Just a few weeks back, he absolutely demolished Holger Rune at Indian Wells in what must've been the fastest final I've ever stayed up till 3am to watch. 68 minutes! I spilled more wine on my couch than minutes he spent on court. His first ATP Masters 1000 title pushed him to world No.7, and suddenly everyone's acting like they discovered him.

Wait... Vogue? Seriously?

Turns out Draper's been moonlighting in teh fashion world for a while now. Vogue and Tatler photoshoots already under his belt. (I asked my fashion editor friend about this and she just rolled her eyes and said "Where have you been?")

I actually bumped into someone who worked on one of those shoots last year at a party in London. Her exact words: "The camera loves him almost as much as he loves himself." Harsh, but she was three gin and tonics in, so take that with a grain of salt.

Burberry's New Golden Boy

Daniel Lee, Burberry's Chief Creative Officer, sounds like he's practically planning Draper's wedding announcement: "He is already one of his generation's most talented sportspeople." No pressure there, Jack!

I spent $300 on a Burberry scarf back in 2018 and felt guilty for months. Meanwhile, Draper's probably getting truckloads of free gear while being paid to wear it. Life isn't fair.

When asked about the partnership, Draper said it was "a real honor" and mentioned he's "admired the brand since I was a kid." Which makes me feel approximately 900 years old because the brand he's referring to as childhood nostalgia is the same one I associate with Kate Moss and those ads from the 90s.

From Nervous Wreck to Fashion Icon

What's kinda endearing about this whole thing is how Draper admitted to being nervous before his Indian Wells final. "In truth, I felt kind of a bit nervous before I played but then when I got out on the court, I felt amazing."

Wonder if he gets the same jitters before meeting Anna Wintour? There's a photo of them together at London Fashion Week, and he looks... well, significantly more comfortable than I would be.

Listen. I've interviewed enough athletes to know most of them would rather get a root canal than do a fashion photoshoot. But Draper seems to genuinely enjoy this side hustle.

The British No.1 We Actually Deserve?

After the post-Murray depression that hit British tennis fans (myself included), it's refreshing to have someone who's not just winning but also bringing some glamour back to the sport.

My tennis coach—who's normally about as expressive as a brick wall—actually mentioned Draper last week. "Good technique, better jawline," was his exact assessment. Coming from him, that's practically a sonnet.

So yeah, Burberry and British tennis have found their new poster boy. And for once, it's someone who might actually live up to the hype on both fronts.

God help us if he ever loses his form though. The British press can build you up adn tear you down faster than Draper can serve an ace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What significance does the grass court have at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon grass courts hold a unique place in tennis as they are the only Grand Slams still played on the traditional surface. Grass courts offer a game with a high-speed, low bounce that challenges players in new ways. Wimbledon, formally known as The Championships, Wimbledon, began in 1877 and has maintained a reputation for its history, tradition, and strict dress code. Wimbledon's legendary lawns are considered by many to be the pinnacle of tennis career.

What are the historical roots of tennis?

The origin of tennis traces back to 12th century France when a game called jeu de paume was played by monks in monastery courtyards using their hands to hit the ball. Tennis evolved over time as rackets became available. In the 16th Century, tennis became very popular with the European nobility. Tennis has changed a lot since it was first invented, with the introduction in the 19th Century of lawn tennis and standardized rules.

What role has women played in shaping tennis?

Tennis has been greatly influenced by women both on and off court, with their performances and advocacy for equal rights and recognition. Billie Jean King's campaign to equalize prize money and opportunities for women led to the formation of the Women's Tennis Association in 1973. Steffi Graf and Venus and Serena Williams along with Martina Navratilova, all icons in the sport, have raised its profile dramatically through their talent and competitiveness. Women's Wimbledon is a popular sport, and often attracts the same amount of viewers as men's, showing its inclusivity.

What are the Grand Slam tennis tournaments?

The four Grand Slams (also known as Majors) are the most prestigious professional tennis tournaments. These include the Australian Open (held in January), the French Open (held in May and June), Wimbledon (held in June and Jul), and the US Open (held in August and Septembre). The tournaments are renowned for their level of competition, history, and significant prize money and ranking points. Grand Slams in tennis are considered the highest achievements.

What is the evolution of tennis equipment?

Tennis equipment has evolved significantly since the beginning of the sport. Original rackets had string guts made of animal intestines. The technology has improved over time, introducing new materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and graphite. This makes rackets lighter, stronger, and more durable. The balls, which were previously made of hand-sewn rubber, have been replaced by manufactured rubber with a consistent bounce. This evolution has allowed for a more dynamic and athletic form of play.

Statistics

The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
Graphite became a popular material for tennis racquets in the 1980s, with over 90% of professional players now using graphite or graphite composite racquets.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
Professional tennis players can serve the ball at speeds exceeding 150 mph, with the fastest serve recorded at 163.7 mph by Australian player Sam Groth in 2012.
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.

External Links

How To

How to Develop a Grass Court Tennis Playing Strategy

A grass court requires a unique strategy because of its low-bouncing, fast surface. Use serve-andvolley tactics to score quick points. Develop a potent serve, focusing on accuracy and variation to keep your opponent off balance. Create points that are aggressive, and try to approach the net as much as possible. This will put pressure on your opponents. You can improve your footwork to get better grip on the slippery surface. You can increase your chances of winning by tailoring your game for grass courts.