Jack Draper made it safely through his first-round match at Queen’s Club with a confident straight sets victory over Jenson Brooksby.
Draper defeated Brooksby 6-3 6-1 on the Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s Club as he proved just why he’s one of the favourites to win Queen’s Club, alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
The star is the current World No. 6 and heads into Wimbledon as the highest ranked British player since Murray in 2016.
Despite Draper’s impressive performance against the American, fans online were more concerned with Brooksby’s unconventional style of play.
Fans bemused by Jack Draper’s opponent’s strange style of play
Brooksby’s serve was described as ‘unorthodox’ by pundit and former tennis pro John Lloyd on the BBC coverage.
Fans were equally surprised by the American’s surprising technique against Britain’s biggest hope for Wimbledon.
Brooksby serves in the amateur style, with the racket placed behind his neck before he strikes the tennis ball.
“Who taught this Brooksby boy tennis?” asked one fan on X. “Why is his service motion starting with your racket placed behind your neck?”
“How has Brooksby even come this far with that serve?” asked one fan. “He somehow now looks even worse!”
Another said: “I find Brooksby’s game and style very strange to watch.”
Brooksby is currently ranked World No. 149 in the ATP Tour Rankings, but he’s been as high as No. 33.
Jack Draper credits Andy Murray after Queen’s Club victory
The 2025 Queen’s Club event is the first since the iconic tournament’s Centre Court was re-named the Andy Murray Arena.
Draper was asked about Murray’s influence on the sport and his individual game after his Queen’s win.
“Andy is an unbelievable guy, someone I’m incredibly inspired by and always looked up to,” said Draper in the BBC interview after his victory.
“I remember coming here when I was younger and watching him win these tournaments, incredible person to get to know. I miss him on the Tour, but I hope I get to see him around.”
Draper plays Australian World No. 21 Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the tournament.