LEFTY JACK TO THE FORE

Draper emulates hero Nadal with run at Roland Garros

- Neil McLeman

"WHEN Jack Draper became only the second left-hander this century to enter the world’s top five last month, he tried to laugh off the parallels with his idol, Rafa Nadal.

I haven’t won 14 Roland Garros’ just yet," he said.

But, after reaching the fourth round of the Spaniard’s favourite event for the first time, the comparison is getting serious.

The world No.5's forehand has been recorded at 82mph and 3,600 revs per minute in this tournament more than the 22-time Grand Slam winner here.

And seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander, right, said: "Jack has the same forehand topspin as Rafael, except he hits it harder. I love the intensity he puts into every point, which is simply that of a potential Grand Slam winner."

Nadal’s lasso-like forehand cross-court sent the ball kicking high into a right-handers’ backhand. Neither Andy Murray nor Roger Federer could beat him at the French Open.