Jack Draper: The Grounded Millionaire on and off the Court
Jack Draper, British tennis’s current big hope and freshly minted world No. 4, isn’t someone who lets fame or fortune go to his head. Despite stacking up more than £1 million in career prize money, the 23-year-old still zips around London in his old Volkswagen Polo—far from the fancy cars many of his rivals favor. Draper’s low-key lifestyle says a lot about his outlook. He’s not chasing status. He’s focused on his game, and, just as importantly, on the people who have helped shape his journey so far.
His choice of wheels isn’t just about modesty for show. He’s always kept things real, from his days as an LTA Pro Scholar through to lifting three ATP trophies, including a big win at Indian Wells Masters. Even as he notched up semi-final appearances at the US Open and other major events, Draper made sure not to lose sight of what matters off the court. That means surrounding himself with family, longtime friends—and one person in particular: fellow Brit and rising tennis talent Jack Pinnington Jones.
Bonds, Beats, and British Tennis: The Two Jacks’ Story
Draper and Pinnington Jones share much more than a first name. Their friendship is a lifeline in the hyper-competitive tennis world. At this year’s Wimbledon, Draper stormed into the second round as top seed after Sebastian Baez retired, setting up a showdown with former US Open champ Marin Cilic. But while he’s used to the headlines, behind the scenes he’s just Jack—the friend who texts encouragement, cracks jokes, and pumps rap playlists in his little Polo with Pinnington Jones riding shotgun.
Pinnington Jones, currently ranked No. 282, is on a different part of his tennis journey. His victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry marked his first ever Grand Slam win—a moment he’s dreamed about since childhood. While big-name fans and media attention often skip over the up-and-comers, Draper has never looked down on his pal. In fact, their relationship is built on shared pressure, inside jokes, and pre-match rituals. They help each other deal with everything from nerves to self-doubt, and neither one hesitates to call or text the other for support.
It’s not all serious. Their drives to matches are filled with music debates and the kind of banter that keeps things light, even as the stakes climb. That brotherly energy seems to be working. As Draper faces Cilic and Pinnington Jones gears up for a tough draw against the 22nd-seeded Flavio Cobolli, their bond is as strong as ever, showing friends don’t have to be on the same career stage to root for each other.
Their story is quickly becoming part of the fabric of British tennis—a reminder that behind sudden success or slow climbs, a little humility and friendship go a long way. In a sport that can feel lonely at the top, the journey’s a lot less daunting when you’ve got someone riding along, even if it’s just in a beaten-up Polo.