Serena Williams’ Ex-coach Tips Rising Star as the Next Grand Slam Winner After Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner

Can you remember the last player to win a Grand Slam title apart from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz? Well, going by the duo’s domination at the majors, it’s a tough question. Both Sinner and Alcaraz have won each of the last eight Grand Slam titles, starting with the 2024 Australian Open. Novak Djokovic was the last man to win a major title apart from the pair, winning the 2023 US Open title. It was a similar case this year as well, as Sinner won the Australian Open and the Wimbledon Championships, while Alcaraz prevailed at the French Open and the US Open. With the next Grand Slam tournament being the 2026 Australian Open, Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rick Macci, identified one player who could win a major title other than the two.

Macci, who coached Serena Williams during her early days in the sport, has been following men’s tennis closely. He has been impressed with the rise of Jack Draper, who is ranked seventh currently, with a career-high of number four achieved this year. As a result, Macci feels that Draper could win a major title soon.

During an interview with Tennis 365, Macci said about Draper, “He will win a Grand Slam tournament. There’s no doubt about that. If you had to point to someone who’s knocking on the door, ready to enter the very select circle of Grand Slam winners, it would be him. Because he’s got the build, he’s left-handed, he’s got a great forehand, a great serve, and he’s improved his backhand a lot. And he’s made that climb.”

Tennis: US Open Aug 25, 2025 Flushing, NY, USA Jack Draper of United Kingdom in action against Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina in the first round of the mens singles at the US Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. Flushing Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre NY USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexFreyx 20250825_lbm_zg6_188

Moreover, Draper has already notched up wins over Alcaraz and Sinner. While he defeated Alcaraz twice, he has had a win over the Italian at the Queen’s Club Championships. Further, Macci added, “He beat Alcaraz in a tournament. So I would put him in that category, the one knocking on the door, in that neighborhood. Because I think he ticks enough boxes. He’s a great competitor. And don’t forget, he’s kind of propelled himself into that category over the last few years.”

Meanwhile, Draper was forced to end his season early after suffering another blow to his arm. However, he has now announced some exciting news for his fans, who could see him back in action earlier than expected.

Jack Draper set to feature in the UTS Grand Slam

Back in the US Open, Draper was forced to withdraw midway through the tournament due to a lingering arm injury. Subsequently, he announced that he was ending his season early in order to come back rejuvenated next year. While his fans were left disappointed, Draper made sure to give them something to cheer for as he announced an early return to action.

Draper will feature in the UTS Grand Slam in London. He has accepted a wildcard entry in the event that he won in 2023. Announcing this exciting update for his fans, Draper revealed, “I have such great memories of winning UTS in front of my home crowd a couple of years ago. I think the format really suits my game, and it’s so much fun to play. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and competing.”

Meanwhile, if Draper can repeat the feat achieved two years back, he is set in for a windfall, with the winner earning a maximum of $921,800. The tournament, which will be played in December, is a non-ATP event, with Draper taking the place of Stefanos Tsitsipas, who withdrew from the event. It’ll be interesting to see if Draper can come back strongly after recovering from his arm injury.

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