Jack Draper powers through US Open amid media spotlight

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USA| Planet & Commerce  

The US Open 2025 has given Britain’s new No. 1, Jack Draper, a platform not just to showcase his tennis but also his growth as a physically dominant, mentally composed, and increasingly scrutinised athlete. Fresh off a first-round win against Federico Agustin Gomez, Draper’s campaign is as much about his tennis as it is about how he is handling the pressures of fame, expectations, and the glare of international media.

At just 22, Draper is navigating the rare crossroads between athletic maturation and celebrity attention, where his transformation into one of the ATP’s strongest players coincides with paparazzi following him at petrol stations. His story is not just about forehands and backhands — it’s about how an emerging tennis star builds resilience, character, and self-belief both on and off the court.

Standing at 6ft 4in (193cm), Draper has always been an imposing figure on the tennis court. But in the past 15 months, he has added significant muscle mass, turning into one of the most physically powerful players on tour.

This change comes from his partnership with strength and conditioning coach Matt Little and physio Shane Annun, both of whom worked closely with Andy Murray during the peak of his career. Draper describes Little as the “best strength and conditioning coach” he has worked with, while crediting years of consistent training for his current physique.

Draper insists this isn’t about bodybuilding:

“I’m growing out instead of up now… I’ve definitely got that body type where I can get really strong quite quick. But I’m not training to be Mr Olympia. All my work is tennis-specific.”
 

His training includes brutal VersaClimber sessions at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, with nearly 50 sessions completed this year. To avoid bulking unnecessarily, he avoids heavy lifting like bench presses and instead focuses on explosive leg and core training that supports movement and endurance.

The physical gains also helped Draper navigate a recent setback. He arrived in New York after a seven-week layoff due to bone bruising in his left humerus. Initially worried about pushing the expected recovery timeline, Draper shrugged off concerns after his first-round win:

“The arm for me is not a question mark. It’s more about preparation and how quickly I can get back to playing top-level hard-court tennis.”
 

His ability to win on return highlighted not only his improved durability but also his confidence in managing setbacks — a maturity that separates rising stars from established champions.

Despite his new stature in world tennis, Draper approaches matches with measured expectations:

“I’m never someone who has lots of expectations on myself. I go match by match… I wouldn’t play if I was just here to play a couple of matches. I believe I can go a long way in this draw.”
 

This philosophy reflects both realism and ambition. Draper recognises his preparation was less than ideal but remains determined to compete deep into the US Open.

While Draper adapts physically and mentally to life on the ATP Tour, he is also adjusting to the new-found media glare. His first brush with paparazzi came before Wimbledon, when photographers captured him at a London petrol station.

The twist? The tabloids focused less on the tennis star and more on his secondhand Volkswagen Polo.

Draper laughed off the scrutiny:

“I just love my secondhand Polo… people said, ‘Why are you driving that piece of shit?’ But I’ve never really been into cars. I’m not materialistic. Most people, when they get money, buy a car. For me, I love my Polo. I just love racing it around — well, not racing, since in London you can only do 20mph.”
 

For Draper, this incident symbolises a new reality: every detail of his life is now up for public commentary. But rather than caving to pressures of image and luxury, Draper leans into authenticity, a trait that endears him to fans.

Draper’s former training mate, Jack Pinnington Jones, jokingly revealed that Draper does not treat his Polo very well, since it’s shared with his brother. Draper laughed:

“If it does get a little knock, I’m not going to be crying about it.”
 

Such anecdotes show how Draper maintains grounded humility, a crucial quality as attention grows. Unlike many young athletes overwhelmed by sudden fame, Draper seems ready to face it with humour and perspective.

The involvement of Murray’s former team naturally invites comparisons. Like Murray, Draper is a tall left-hander known for his tactical play and physical resilience. Murray’s career was built on endurance, discipline, and mental grit, traits Draper is now adopting.

By working with Matt Little and Shane Annun, Draper is following a blueprint that once took Murray to three Grand Slam titles and world No. 1. Draper’s rise feels like a continuation of Britain’s tradition of producing champions who pair physical strength with mental sharpness.

As Britain’s new top player, Draper carries the expectations of a tennis nation still basking in Murray’s legacy. Every Slam appearance comes with added scrutiny, from media narratives to fan hopes.

The US Open, with its history of dramatic breakthroughs, is an ideal stage for Draper to signal his readiness to join the elite. His combination of size, fitness, and growing maturity makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the draw.

Beyond power and endurance, Draper’s biggest challenge may be the mental side of elite sport. Staying focused under the glare of attention — from paparazzi to packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowds — requires resilience.

His attitude so far suggests balance: neither overwhelmed by expectation nor dismissive of responsibility. Instead, Draper acknowledges pressure while grounding himself in match-by-match progress.

Draper’s honesty about his life off court — whether it’s about his car, his training, or his injury management — makes him relatable. Unlike stars who build a glamorous image, Draper presents himself as real and approachable, strengthening his bond with fans.

In today’s tennis landscape, where media attention can be as decisive as on-court results, Draper’s authenticity could become his greatest asset.

After his first-round win, Draper faces tougher tests ahead. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows reward big servers and physical athletes — both categories where Draper is improving rapidly. His goal is not just to survive rounds but to prove he belongs among the world’s best.

Should he navigate deeper into the draw, the combination of physical power, mental calm, and rising popularity could mark this US Open as his breakthrough Slam.

Jack Draper’s 2025 season, highlighted by his US Open run, represents more than a tennis journey. It is the story of a young athlete growing into his body, handling fame, and finding belief at the highest level.

With the support of Murray’s trusted team, Draper has built the physicality to compete with the ATP elite. With his humility and humour, he has gained the charm to withstand off-court pressures.

Whether this US Open becomes his breakthrough remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jack Draper has arrived not only as Britain’s No. 1 but as one of tennis’s future stars, ready to flex his muscles against both opponents and the weight of expectation.

Manchester| Planet & Commerce 

For most managers, an early-season League Cup tie is a chance to rotate players, build confidence, and progress quietly to the next round. For Ruben Amorim, it has become the symbol of his fragile tenure at Manchester United.

The image of the Portuguese coach “cowering” in the dugout at Blundell Park, unable to watch the penalty shootout as League Two Grimsby Town dumped United out of the Carabao Cup, is now etched in the minds of fans and pundits alike.

It was not just the defeat, but the optics: a £200 million front line failing against a fourth-tier club, supporters chanting in anger, and a manager openly admitting after the match:

“I think this is a little bit the limit. Something has to change.”
 

The question now is whether Amorim can survive long enough to change it himself.

Since taking charge in November 2024, Amorim has managed 45 games, recording:

• 16 wins
   
• 12 draws
   
• 17 defeats
   

That translates to a win percentage of 35.5%—the lowest of any permanent United manager in the post-Ferguson era.

For context:

• Ralf Rangnick (interim, Dec 2021–May 2022) managed a 38% win ratio.
   
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished with 54%.
   
• Jose Mourinho had 58%.
   

Even during Louis van Gaal’s troubled tenure, United won more consistently. Amorim’s numbers are, bluntly, relegation form.

United’s shock defeat to Grimsby is particularly painful because of the resources on the pitch:

• Matheus Cunha (£60m) and Benjamin Sesko (£70m) started.
   
• Bryan Mbeumo (£65m) came off the bench.
   
• A squad rebuilt with £200m worth of summer signings was undone by a side operating on a fraction of the budget.
   

Former England striker Chris Sutton called it “an embarrassment,” adding:

“If I was Ruben Amorim tonight, there is not a prayer I would have made eight changes. That was an error. He will struggle to come back from this.”
 

Football managers can lose matches and survive. What often proves fatal is the perception of weakness.

For Amorim, being described as “cowering” by BBC Sport’s Simon Stone during the shootout was symbolic. Fans contrasted it with the iron-willed aura of Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously exuded authority even in defeat.

The optics were damaging: a leader appearing paralysed, at a time when the club most needed steel.

It is rare to call a Premier League game in late August “must-win,” but that is the reality. United’s next match against Burnley at Old Trafford is shaping up as a defining moment.

Why?

• United are winless in three games this season, with just one point.
   
• They sit 16th in the table, a position unthinkable for a club of their stature.
   
• Their unbeaten run of 23 league matches against promoted teams is at risk. If that streak ends, it may also end Amorim’s tenure.
   

After the Grimsby loss, Amorim suggested “decisions will need to be made” after Burnley. To many, it sounded less like a defiant manager, and more like a man contemplating his exit.

His position is further undermined by the fact he initially preferred to wait until summer 2025 before taking the job, only to be pressured into joining last November under what the board described as a “now or never” opportunity.

That early arrival, intended to give him time to understand United’s problems, appears to have made little difference.

Among United supporters, frustration runs deeper than just Amorim.

• They have seen Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjaer, Rangnick, Ten Hag, and now Amorim come and go.
   
• The cycle of sacking managers, spending heavily, and restarting seems endless.
   
• The INEOS-led restructuring under Sir Jim Ratcliffe was supposed to bring clarity and stability, yet the same old problems persist.
   

As one fan put it:

“If we sack Amorim, we’re back to square one again. But if we keep him, nothing changes either. So what is the real problem at the core of the club?”
 

Amorim’s struggles raise deeper questions:

1. Recruitment – United spent over £200m this summer on forwards, yet still lack balance in midfield and defensive depth.
    
2. Culture – A club once defined by discipline and drive now appears fragile and disjointed.
    
3. Leadership – The contrast between the grassroots protests demanding accountability and the hierarchy’s mixed messaging reflects a club still in identity crisis.
    
4. Player Attitudes – Managers keep changing, but performances remain inconsistent. Are the players truly invested?
    

At Sporting Lisbon, Amorim built his reputation on a 3-4-3 system, dynamic wingbacks, and high pressing.

At United, his attempt to impose that style has faltered:

• Players signed for previous systems look uncomfortable.
   
• New signings haven’t settled into his tactical framework.
   
• Defensive fragility is exposed by constant formation tweaks.
   

Instead of clarity, Amorim’s era so far has been marked by confusion and inconsistency.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s minority owner, publicly backed Amorim in March, calling him “an excellent manager” who would be at United “for a long time.”

But football moves fast. With United already out of Europe, knocked out of the Carabao Cup, and languishing near the relegation zone, patience may be running thin.

Ratcliffe faces a dilemma:

• Sack Amorim, and admit to another managerial misstep.
   
• Keep him, and risk a spiral that damages both results and reputation.
   

History suggests managers rarely survive humiliations like this—especially when combined with poor league form. Yet the situation is complicated:

• United invested heavily in recruiting Amorim after months of pursuit.
   
• Replacing him so soon would reflect as poorly on the board as on the coach.
   
• The pool of top available managers is limited.
   

The pragmatic calculation may be to give Amorim one final lifeline—starting with Burnley.

The story of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United is not just about one man. It is about a club that has struggled for over a decade to rediscover its identity.

The image of Amorim cowering at Grimsby will linger as a symbol of fragility, but also as a warning: unless United resolve their deeper structural issues, no manager—no matter how talented—will thrive.

Whether Amorim survives the next week or not, the crisis reveals the deeper truth: United’s problems go beyond the dugout.

USA| Planet & Commerce 

The US Open 2025 is never short of drama, and this year’s second round delivered a headline-making clash. American star Taylor Townsend and Latvian powerhouse Jelena Ostapenko not only battled on the court but also exchanged heated words after their match. Townsend triumphed 7-5, 6-1, but what unfolded at the net overshadowed her dominant performance and has since sparked a wider conversation about sportsmanship, tennis etiquette, and player rivalries.

Townsend, cheered on by the home crowd at Flushing Meadows, delivered a powerful performance against the former French Open champion. Her mix of aggressive net play and precision baseline hitting left Ostapenko frustrated, particularly in the second set, where the Latvian’s errors mounted.

Key Highlights:

• Townsend won 7-5, 6-1 in straight sets.
   
• The first set was tightly contested before Townsend broke late.
   
• In the second set, Townsend raced through with dominant shot-making.
   

While the scoreboard reflected Townsend’s superiority, the real drama began after match point.

The tension erupted following a net cord shot in the first set, which clipped the tape and dropped on Ostapenko’s side of the court, giving Townsend the point.

• Ostapenko believed Townsend should have offered a customary apology — a small nod or hand gesture, part of tennis’s unwritten etiquette.
   
• Townsend did not, choosing instead to move on.
   
• The point proved pivotal in swinging momentum.
   

At the post-match handshake, Ostapenko confronted Townsend about the incident, escalating into a verbal clash that stunned the crowd.

Speaking immediately after the match, Townsend revealed the exchange:

“She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the US.”
 

Townsend, still charged with adrenaline, added defiantly:

“I beat her in Canada outside the US. So let’s see what else she has to say.”
 

She later emphasized:

“I mean, it’s competition. People get upset when they lose. When she was playing well, I didn’t say anything. That just shows class.”
 

Townsend’s comments struck a chord with the New York crowd, who cheered her fiery response.

Hours later, Ostapenko defended her stance in a social media post:

“Today after the match I told my opponent that she was very disrespectful as she had a net ball in a very deciding moment and didn’t say sorry, but her answer was that she doesn’t have to say sorry at all. There are some rules in tennis that most of the players follow and it was first time that this happened to me on tour. If she plays in her homeland it doesn’t mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants.”
 

Her comments reignited debate among fans and analysts about whether the “sorry gesture” is a mandatory show of sportsmanship or merely a tradition.

The incident spotlighted a long-standing question in professional tennis:

• Unwritten Rule: Players are expected to apologize, often with a hand up, after winning a point via net cord.
   
• Not in the Rulebook: There is no official rule requiring apologies. It is considered etiquette rather than obligation.
   
• Different Cultures, Different Views: While many players follow the custom, others view it as unnecessary — after all, tennis points are determined by skill and chance.
   

Townsend’s refusal, intentional or not, challenges this convention and has opened dialogue across the tennis world.

This is not the first time tennis has seen etiquette disputes:

• Nick Kyrgios has often refused to apologize for net cords, arguing that luck is part of the sport.
   
• Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, known for their courtesy, consistently raise their hand in apology, setting a gold standard for sportsmanship.
   
• In women’s tennis, confrontations involving Ostapenko are not new — she has clashed with players and umpires over perceived slights in the past.
   

The Townsend-Ostapenko clash thus joins a rich history of tennis culture clashes.

Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, is well-known for her fiery personality:

• Frequent on-court outbursts at umpires and opponents.
   
• A history of tense encounters with fellow players.
   
• Polarizing reputation among fans — admired for passion, criticized for volatility.
   

Townsend, by contrast, is often celebrated for her resilience and crowd-pleasing style, especially as a comeback story balancing motherhood and tennis.

This clash of personalities made the exchange even more explosive.

The tennis community quickly weighed in:

• Townsend supporters hailed her composure and clapped back at Ostapenko’s insults, especially the remarks about “class and education.”
   
• Ostapenko fans argued she was right to expect basic sportsmanship.
   
• Media outlets highlighted the incident as one of the defining moments of the tournament’s early rounds, amplifying interest in women’s tennis rivalries.
   

Social media platforms buzzed with debate, with hashtags like #TownsendVsOstapenko and #USOpenDrama trending overnight.

While controversial, such clashes bring attention to the sport:

• Narratives matter: Rivalries and dramatic exchanges generate storylines that attract fans beyond hardcore tennis enthusiasts.
   
• Spotlight on Townsend: Her bold responses and on-court performance could elevate her profile globally.
   
• Spotlight on Ostapenko: Reinforces her image as tennis’s fiery competitor, keeping her in headlines.
   

For the WTA Tour, moments like these highlight the emotional intensity of women’s tennis.

• Townsend advances to the third round of the US Open, riding both form and crowd momentum.
   
• Ostapenko exits the tournament, but her comments may fuel future rivalries when the two meet again.
   
• The pair’s history is now marked by both competitive battles and off-court friction, ensuring future matches will be highly anticipated.
   

The Townsend-Ostapenko exchange at the US Open 2025 was about more than a net cord. It highlighted the blurred lines between etiquette, sportsmanship, and cultural expectations in professional tennis.

For Townsend, the clash showcased her resilience and fighting spirit, endearing her further to fans. For Ostapenko, it reinforced her fiery image — divisive, but never dull.

As the tournament progresses, one thing is certain: tennis thrives not only on brilliant forehands and backhands but also on the human drama of competition. And in that sense, the Townsend-Ostapenko confrontation has already become one of this year’s defining moments at Flushing Meadows.