Carlos Alcaraz writes classy message to Jack Draper on camera after Brit forced to retire
Share:
Carlos Alcaraz sent a classy message to British tennis star Jack Draper after he was forced to retire from the clash between the pair after two sets in the Australian Open. The Wimbledon champion proved too much for 15th seed Draper, who had entered the match off the back of three consecutive five-set victories. The 23-year-old was trailing 7-5, 6-1 when he called it a day after requiring treatment off the court following the first set.
Draper was visibly disappointed after making the decision, with Alcaraz attempting to provide some comfort, and raised his hands apologetically to the crowd. The US Open semi-finalist was the only Briton to reach the last-16 in Melbourne. Rather than taking a moment to celebrate, Alcaraz could not help but pay tribute to his fallen opponent however. Provided the opportunity to sign a videocamera on his way off the court the 21-year-old sent a direct message to Draper.
“You will be where you deserved. Get well soon Jack!" it read. Alcaraz also paid tribute to Daper in his post-match interview. “It’s not the way I want to get through," the Spaniard said. "I’m just happy obviously to play another quarterfinal. But a little sad for Jack. He’s a nice person. He doesn’t deserve to get injured. He’ll come back stronger as always. I just want to wish him a quick recovery.”.
Draper had seen an off-season disrupted by injury and only left the Melbourne Park site at 2.30am following his previous match on Friday, before not practising on Saturday ahead of facing Alcaraz. Playing in 34-degree temperatures did not prove an easy task for the Brit.
