JACK'S NET GAIN

British No.1 proving an inspiration to kids, and a dream to market

- MATTHEW YOUNG

WHEN Jack Draper steps on court at Wimbledon next week as the great British hope, it will not just be the Centre Court crowd cheering him on.

The 23-year-old is a hero at his former primary school, where mum Nicky still coaches tennis, and is regularly used by teachers to inspire the next generation. And if any of his matches at SW19 fall during school time, then all the kids and staff will drop what they are doing to get in front of a TV together.

Draper is No.4 in the world and is our best chance of Wimbledon glory since two-time champion Andy Murray was at his best.

Off the court, branding expert Marcel Knobil believes Draper is such a sponsor's dream that he will go on to earn more money than the Scot, who was this year valued at £110million in The Sunday Times Rich List.

He has already had modelling gigs with publications such as Vogue and Tatler, and is sponsored by Nike, Dunlop, Vodafone and Burberry.

But it is those who know Draper, or 'Drapes' best, who saw his potential from a very young age.

Justin Sherring coached him from six to 16, and keeps in regular contact with his protégé, who has become a pal.

"I haven't come across many six-year-olds like Jack. He started competing from an early age and really identified as a tennis player," said Justin, 54.

They still spend time together and are regularly in contact as Justin coaches British doubles star Joe Salisbury, and so is often at the same events as his former pupil.