crush of the month: Jack Draper
the ultimate tennis hottie
Welcome to Crush of the Month Club, where I spotlight the famous men who are unexpectedly stealing our attention (or maybe just mine!). Maybe it’s their charm, their talent, their confidence — or maybe it’s just good hair, and BDE. Either way, this is a space to appreciate the crushes we didn’t see coming (or the ones we did).
Okay, guys. Of course — surprise to absolutely no one — I have a crush on a younger guy. And if you know me, you also know that I play tennis. So, younger guy, hot guy, plays tennis? Check, check, check.
And if that doesn't seal the deal, my rom-com that I'm keeping under wraps… let’s just say there’s tennis involved, and Jack Draper is honestly who I would love to play my male protagonist. What can I say? I follow him on Instagram. He’s hot as hell. He’s British. He plays tennis. He’s tall. There’s really not much more I need. But let’s dig in anyway.
Name: Jack Draper
Age: 22 (born December 22, 2001)
Astrological Sign: Capricorn (aka emotionally reserved and dangerously goal-oriented)
Location: London, UK — and, more importantly, whatever court you can watch him sweat on
Occupation: Professional tennis player, tall glass of brooding athletic water
Height: 6’4” (yes, I double-checked — for science)
Jack Draper is like if you took a sensitive, emotionally intelligent Gen Z boy and trained him to smash aces for a living. He’s quietly intense, deeply focused, and gives off serious rom-com love interest energy — the kind who would kiss you in the rain and then apologize for being “too forward.” (And then kiss you again! swoon…)
He’s been making waves on the ATP Tour as a rising British star (he’s currently number 1 in Britain), but what makes him stand out (besides, you know, the looks, the height, the legs, and the arms — basically his entire body) is his openness about mental health. At the 2023 US Open, Draper had a panic attack mid-match and literally threw up on court. He didn’t win that match — but he did win my heart. (I’m sorry, I had to.)
He speaks candidly about his struggles with anxiety, and in a world where most athletes are trained to be emotionless machines, that kind of honesty is weirdly sexy. Vulnerability? It’s giving.
Hobbies & Interests:
Playing high-stakes tennis while looking like he wandered out of a British teen drama
Sharing just enough on social media to keep you hooked (but not enough to feel like a thirst trap)
Working through mental health struggles like a Gen Z king
Looking extremely good in backwards baseball caps
Serving, volleying, and single-handedly bringing back the appeal of polite, soft-spoken athletes
Possibly being the lead in my not-yet-sold tennis-themed rom-com (hello, Netflix, call me)
What He’s Looking For:
Probably just a physio who can keep his body from falling apart mid-season (is it too late to change my career?). But if he were looking? I'd imagine he’s into someone who:
Doesn’t get weird when he goes ghost during tournaments
Can handle the fact that “vacation” means “off-season recovery in a hyperbaric chamber”
Understands that puking on court is not a metaphor, it’s just real life
Will send sweet “you got this” texts before every match (and maybe bring snacks)
Potential Red Flags:
He's very young. Like, “was still in diapers during the early 2000s” young
The anxiety. Not a red flag in itself — honestly, it makes him more appealing — but the fact that it led to an on-court vomiting incident? Okay, slightly concerning
The man is focused. As in: tennis might always come first.
He gives emotionally intelligent golden retriever vibes, which means you will likely fall harder
He could realistically star in my romantic comedy and then not return my texts — and yes, I’m mentally preparing for that
Why He’s Our Crush of the Month:
See photos above.
But, besides that….Because sometimes your crush doesn’t need to be loud or flashy. Sometimes he’s quietly intense, super hot in a British way, and just trying to get through the US Open without barfing. Jack Draper is tall, soft-spoken, emotionally honest, and fully committed to his craft. He’s hot, but not in an intimidating way. He seems sweet. Grounded. Like he'd ask how your day was and actually listen. And then go play doubles with you…off and on the court. ;)
He’s not just a tennis player — he’s a full-blown rom-com archetype waiting to happen. (Seriously, casting agents, I have a script.) And whether he’s serving up match points or talking about mental health in post-game interviews, he’s serving, period.
Would you swipe right?
Duh. I don’t even need to answer this, but I will. YES! I would swipe right. Do I think it would go anywhere? Well, yes, to my bedroom. If we could get some court time in, even better!
I can’t wait to watch how he will do this summer on the court! I mean, I can’t wait to just watch him period, but I’m rooting for him! Rooting for him to take off his shirt…
OK, time to take a cold shower! byeeeee!!
Thanks for being here!
Love, Brie xoxo
What a babe!