British No.1 Draper ready to hold court

JACK DRAPER plans to make Centre Court his home as he prepares to lead the British challenge at Wimbledon.

- by NEIL MCLEMAN

There will be 23 British singles players in today's draw the most since 1984.

Draper, the fourth seed and highest-ranked Brit, said: "It's going to be a privilege to play as the British No.1 and that's what I've always wanted.

"I've wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment, and I'm looking forward to hopefully starting that.

"It feels amazing. A lot of British players, a lot of British talent. I think it is really exciting for the British public to have so many good people in the draw from this country.

"I am looking forward to going out there and competing hard. I think it is a great opportunity for us all.

"I have been on antibiotics and I am over my tonsillitis. I feel good. I feel strong, I feel ready."

This will be the first Wimbledon for 20 years without Andy Murray and the British public is looking for a new hero.