Jack Draper's coach lifts lid on Rafael Nadal tactics after Brit laughed off comparison

had little experience on the clay before this year, never reaching a semi-final on the surface. But he's proven himself to be a strong player on the surface, . Draper has put on some clinical performances, not dropping a set, and even earned comparisons to 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal.

Although the world No. 6 , noting that he hadn't won 14 French Open titles like the Spaniard, his coach has now admitted that they've been looking to Nadal for some tactics.

As a left-hander, it's no surprise Draper has shown a likeness to Nadal during his run at the Caja Magica. The 23-year-old has made his forehand a huge weapon this fortnight and has been putting a lot more spin on the ball, reminding some of the former world No. 1.

While Draper and his team are keen to avoid the pressures of being compared to one of the greats of the game, his coach, James Trotman, has explained that there are some elements they've taken from Nadal.

"Certainly when it comes to what Nadal is doing on return on serve and certain patterns of play, it's something we've studied and looked at," Trotman told Sky Sports.

"He's the 'King of Clay', so it would be silly not to look with Jack being a lefty."

Up until this season, Draper had usually run into trouble on the dirt. During his first full clay swing in 2023, he picked up a shoulder injury and had to retire from his opening match at the French Open.

Last year, he suffered a series of frustrating defeats and only won four matches on the surface. But he's turned things around in 2025 and is one match away from lifting the Madrid Open title.

However, it hasn't been a surprise to Trotman, who added: "We've always thought Jack had potential to play well on clay, especially in lively conditions like we've got here in Madrid, over in Paris as well.

"He did a lot of work, movement-based stuff with Matt Little back in London after Miami, which was the positive of losing early there to [Jakub] Mensik who went on and had a great tournament.

"In all honesty, it's been fun. Tactically you're looking to do a few things slightly differently on the clay but his game sets up pretty well for it in my opinion."

With Nadal now retired, Draper is flying the flag for left-handers on the dirt. But the 23-year-old knows he's worlds away from reaching the Spaniard's level.

"I mean I haven't won 14 Roland Garros' just yet!" he said earlier this week

"Rafa is obviously someone, being a lefty, that I looked up to when I was younger. I don't sort of compare myself to him, but I'd like to think that I want to have qualities like Rafa.

"Whether that's attitude or his forehand with the shape. There's certain things I can take from him for sure, but not quite his level yet on the clay.".