Jack Draper says Rafael Nadal comparisons 'not right', Brit has 'a lot to prove' at Monte-Carlo Masters

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Jack Draper has drawn comparisons to 14-time Roland-Garros champion Rafael Nadal, but the Brit says it is "not right" for him to be considered like the retired star, despite a couple of similarities in their respective games. Draper claimed his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, but knows he "definitely has a lot to prove" as he heads into the clay season.

Being compared to Nadal 'not right' - Draper

Video credit: TNT Sports

Jack Draper claimed the biggest win of his career as he defeated Holger Rune in straight sets to win Indian Wells - his maiden Masters 1000 crown.

Thanks to the 23-year-old's big slice and big loopy forehand, he has since drawn comparisons to 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

But Draper said it is "not right" that he is considered anything like the legendary Spaniard, despite welcoming similarities between himself and Nadal.

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"Being compared to Rafa is not right, to be honest," he told discovery+ ahead of Monte-Carlo. "He's obviously an icon of the game and a 14-time Roland-Garros [winner], it's nuts.

"I definitely think being a lefty and having that loopy forehand and stuff is pretty similar, but there are definitely areas in my game I need to improve on to get to his standard."

Draper capped off his remarkable Indian Wells campaign with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Rune in California.

The Brit said capturing the crown "fills me with pride", but is eager to take that momentum into the clay season at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he still "has a lot to prove".

"It definitely helps my confidence and helps my belief, winning a tournament as big as that which I've watched since I was young," he said.

"It definitely fills me with pride and helps me to understand why I do all the hard work, but at the same time, tennis keeps on going, life keeps on going.

"I'm here for another week to improve myself but it gives me a lot of self-belief and a lot of pride to accomplish something I've wanted to do for a long time."

He added: "I feel like I haven't had too much exposure to clay. A couple of years ago, I got injured so I wasn't able to play too much.

"Last year, I lost a couple of really close matches to top 10 players and I wasn't able to get my feet off the ground.

"This year, I feel better in all areas, so I'm looking forward to seeing what's to come and what I can do on this surface. I definitely have a lot to prove."

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