Achieving a noteworthy fourth-round appearance at the US Open in September, Jack Draper has marked 2023 as his most triumphant year yet in his burgeoning tennis career. However, this young British athlete’s journey has been shadowed by a personal challenge: the battle his grandmother, a former tennis coach and player, faces against Alzheimer’s disease.
Sadly, Brenda, his grandmother, now grapples with Alzheimer’s, a debilitating condition that progressively impairs cognitive abilities and memory. This means she no longer recognizes the remarkable strides her grandson has made in his career.
Recently joining the ranks of ‘Sports Champions’ for the Alzheimer’s Society, Draper is committed to raising awareness about this ruthless illness that has deeply affected his family. “Watching my grandmother, a once-accomplished tennis coach, succumb to Alzheimer’s has been heart-wrenching,” Draper shared. “Her unwavering support was pivotal in my early tennis days, and witnessing her lose touch with those memories is incredibly difficult.”
Despite her fading recognition, Draper’s grandfather, Brenda’s primary caregiver, still brings her to watch Draper’s training sessions at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Tragically, she no longer recognizes her grandson, even when watching his matches on TV.
“It’s profoundly sad that she can’t recognize or interact with us anymore,” Draper lamented. “I know she’d be immensely proud of my achievements if she could understand them.”
Jack Draper and His Grandmother’s Story
Alarmingly, one in three people born today in the UK is expected to develop dementia, currently the nation’s leading cause of death. Brenda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 at 70, six years before Draper’s ATP Tour debut. Now ranked 61st in the ATP rankings, Draper’s recent accomplishments include reaching the last-16 at the US Open and competing in his first ATP Tour final against Adrian Mannarino.
Draper is determined to turn his family’s struggle into a force for good, aiming to contribute to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. “Amidst the sadness, we’ve had moments of joy and laughter, especially in the earlier stages of her disease,” he recalled. “Even now, her smile when seeing children reminds us that her spirit remains, despite the disease’s toll on her mind.”
Determined to fight the devastation wrought by dementia, Draper’s personal experience fuels his dedication to supporting the Alzheimer’s Society. “Experiencing firsthand the horrendous impact of Alzheimer’s, I’m passionate about finding a cure to end the suffering it causes,” Draper affirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jack Draper Alzheimer’s Awareness
Who is Jack Draper?
Jack Draper is a young British tennis player who has achieved significant milestones in his career, including reaching the fourth round of the US Open in 2023. He has also become a ‘Sports Champion’ for the Alzheimer’s Society, raising awareness for the disease which has deeply affected his family, particularly his grandmother Brenda.
What personal experience has influenced Jack Draper’s involvement in Alzheimer’s awareness?
Jack Draper’s grandmother, Brenda, a former tennis player and coach, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Her condition, which has progressed to the point where she no longer recognizes his achievements, has deeply impacted Draper and his family. This personal connection has motivated him to become an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness and research.
What has been Jack Draper’s best performance in his tennis career to date?
As of 2023, Jack Draper’s best performance in his tennis career has been reaching the last-16 at the US Open, which marks his most successful Grand Slam finish to date. Additionally, he competed in his first ATP Tour final, further establishing himself as an up-and-coming talent in the sport.
How has Alzheimer’s disease affected Jack Draper’s family?
Alzheimer’s disease has had a devastating impact on Jack Draper’s family, particularly affecting his grandmother Brenda, who was once a prominent figure in his tennis development. The disease has deteriorated her cognitive functions to the point where she cannot recognize her grandson or his accomplishments in tennis.
What is Jack Draper’s ranking and achievements in 2023?
In 2023, Jack Draper achieved a career-best by finishing in the last-16 at the US Open and reaching his first ATP Tour final. These accomplishments have led to his ranking rising to 61 in the ATP’s rankings, marking 2023 as his most successful year in professional tennis so far.
What are Jack Draper’s goals regarding Alzheimer’s disease?
Motivated by his grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, Jack Draper aims to contribute to finding a cure for the disease. He is involved with the Alzheimer’s Society and is dedicated to raising awareness and support for research to combat the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
More about Jack Draper Alzheimer’s Awareness
- Jack Draper’s ATP Profile
- Alzheimer’s Society Official Website
- US Open Tennis Championships
- Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease
- 2023 ATP Tour Highlights
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Statistics in the UK
- ATP Rankings and Player Statistics
4 comments
this is so sad, can’t imagine how tough it must be for Jack and his family, Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease. Great to see him doing something positive out of a difficult situation.
wow, really heart touching story about Jack Draper. Its amazing how he’s using his platform to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, a truly inspiring athlete, not just on the court but off it too.
Jack’s doing great on the tennis court, that last-16 finish at the US Open was impressive! Hope he keeps climbing the rankings. Also, kudos to him for supporting Alzheimer’s research, need more athletes like him.
Alzheimer’s is a tough battle, hats off to Jack for using his fame to raise awareness, and for showing such strength despite personal challenges, Also, 61st in ATP ranking at his age? That’s pretty impressive.