"I miss being next to his stinky shoes" - Jack Draper lightheartedly remembers Andy Murray after reaching US Open 2024 QF
Jack Draper became the first British man to reach the US Open quarterfinals since Andy Murray in 2016. Draper got the better of Tomas Machac in straight sets and paid a lighthearted tribute to "icon" Murray in his post-match interview.
In the fourth round, 25th seed Draper faced the Czech Republic's Machac on Monday, September 2. The Brit struck 35 winners to win 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 in one hour and 44 minutes. He advanced to the quarterfinal of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
Incidentally, he became the first Brit since Murray to reach this stage at the New York Major. During his post-match interview, he was asked if the 37-year-old still texts him. Draper joked that he missed Murray's "stinky clothes".
“No, Andy, I obviously miss. Shout out to him. What an unbelievable career the guy has had. Icon of the game. I miss him in the changing rooms. I miss being next to his stinky shoes and all of his stinky clothes... Andy is a legend. If I have half the career that he’s had, then I’ll be a happy man,” Jack Draper said.
The British No. 1 will take on World No. 10 Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of the US Open. However, Draper will refrain from taking advice from Murray to let him enjoy retirement in peace.
Jack Draper on taking advice from Andy Murray ahead of US Open 2024 QF
During his press conference, Jack Draper was asked if he would take advice from Andy Murray considering the latter's experience of playing at the quarterfinal stages of a Grand Slam.
"Probably not, no. I think Andy's obviously, I feel like he would, you know, completely understand and respond to any messages I send him and would give me advice but I think, also, at the same time, I think he's kind of enjoying his retirement now and he's kind of done with it," Draper said.
"But, yeah, I know if I have any questions or if I'm feeling something then he'll be the first person I text and I know that he'd be there for me if I need him," he added.
The 25th seed has impressed at the New York Major by not losing a set on his way to the quarterfinal. He received a walkover after winning two sets against Zhang Zhizhen in the first round before defeating Facundo Diaz Acosta.
In the third round, Draper got the better of Botic van de Zandschulp who defeated 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz. The Brit set up a quarterfinal clash against Alex de Minaur by defeating Tomas Machac in the fourth round.