In British tennis, few behind-the-scenes figures have had as much influence as Nicky Draper. A former junior champion and the first coach of her son, rising ATP star Jack Draper, Nicky has quietly built a legacy that combines sporting excellence with nurturing mentorship. While many fans know Jack for his explosive left-handed game, fewer recognize the guiding role played by his mother, who once held her own as a British junior tennis champion.
This article explores Nicky Draper’s journey—from her own competitive career to her family life with Roger Draper, to her pivotal influence on one of Britain’s brightest tennis prospects. Along the way, we’ll also answer common questions such as Nicky Draper age and are Roger and Nicky Draper still together, providing a well-rounded look at her story.
Nicky Draper’s Early Life and Tennis Career
Before she became known as Jack Draper’s mother, Nicky Draper tennis was already a recognized name in junior circuits. As a teenager, she captured multiple British junior titles, showcasing natural athleticism and technical skill. Her maiden name, Nicola Entract, was well respected in youth competitions during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Unlike some junior players who fade away, Nicky retained her passion for the sport long after her competitive career. That love of tennis would later become the foundation of her work as both a coach and a parent.
From Junior Champion to Mentor
What makes Nicky’s journey remarkable is how seamlessly she transitioned from player to coach. After her competitive years, she began teaching tennis at the Sutton Tennis and Squash Club, where her son Jack first picked up a racket. By the time Jack was two years old, he was already swinging under her guidance.
Her ability to balance technical instruction with parental encouragement became her defining coaching trait. Unlike professionals who push children too hard, Nicky fostered an environment of curiosity, fun, and gradual mastery.
Roger and Nicky Draper: A Tennis Power Couple
The partnership of Roger and Nicky Draper brought together two people deeply tied to British sport. Roger Draper is best known as the former Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) from 2006 to 2013. His career also included leadership roles at Sport England.
Together, they built a family where tennis wasn’t just a profession but a lifestyle. With both parents invested in the sport—Roger from an administrative perspective and Nicky from a coaching background—it was almost inevitable that their children, Ben and Jack, would find themselves drawn to tennis.
The Mother Who Shaped Jack Draper’s Game
When Jack Draper began making waves on the ATP Tour, many commentators noted his strong fundamentals and competitive mindset. These traits trace directly back to Nicky Draper tennis coaching.
She spotted Jack’s potential early on: his natural hand-eye coordination, left-handed advantage, and explosive movement. Her mentorship ensured he developed not just skills, but resilience—a quality that helped Jack bounce back from early injuries and challenging matches.
Nicky Draper Tennis Philosophy and Coaching Style
Nicky’s philosophy rests on three pillars:
- Self-Motivation – She believes true players must develop internal drive. Parents and coaches can guide, but passion must come from within.
- Mental Resilience – Tennis is as much psychological as physical. Nicky emphasized calmness under pressure, a trait visible in Jack’s on-court demeanor.
- Balance and Perspective – While competitive, she avoided creating an environment of unhealthy pressure. For her, tennis was both a career path and a joy to be experienced.
This combination of discipline and balance is why many young players, including her son, thrived under her guidance.
Balancing Family and Professional Life
For Nicky, life wasn’t only about coaching. She worked as a teacher at Parkside School in Cobham, further showing her dedication to education and youth development. Her older son, Ben Draper, also played collegiate tennis before transitioning to a professional role as Jack’s agent.
The Draper household balanced academics, sport, and family life, a balance that explains Jack’s grounded personality despite his growing fame.
Nicky Draper Age and Personal Insights
Fans often search for Nicky Draper age, curious about the woman behind Britain’s new star. Born in the early 1970s, she is in her mid-50s as of 2025. Despite stepping back from the limelight, she continues to attend her son’s major matches, offering quiet but steadfast support.
Her age reflects a life rich in both personal and professional achievements—a journey from junior champion to mother, mentor, and role model.
Are Roger and Nicky Draper Still Together?
One of the most searched questions about the couple is: Are Roger and Nicky Draper still together? While the two share sons and a strong history, reports suggest they are no longer together in a traditional marital sense. However, they remain connected through their children and their shared love of tennis.
Their relationship, whether as partners or co-parents, has always been rooted in mutual respect and commitment to their family’s success.
Legacy Beyond the Court
Nicky Draper’s legacy isn’t just about titles won or matches played. It’s about shaping the future of British tennis by nurturing Jack Draper and inspiring countless others. She represents the unsung heroes of sport—the parents, mentors, and coaches who dedicate their lives to building athletes from the ground up.
Her story also reflects broader themes: the importance of supportive parenting, the balance between sport and education, and the enduring influence of family on athletic success.
Conclusion
The story of Nicky Draper is one of resilience, passion, and quiet determination. From her days as a junior champion to her role as a mentor for Britain’s rising star, she has embodied what it means to guide with both expertise and love.
Her influence is visible every time Jack Draper steps on court, and her legacy continues through both her sons and the wider tennis community. While questions like Nicky Draper age or are Roger and Nicky Draper still together may spark curiosity, the true answer lies in her enduring impact on the sport and her family.
FAQs
1. Who is Nicky Draper?
Nicky Draper is a former British junior tennis champion and the mother of professional tennis player Jack Draper.
2. What is Nicky Draper age?
Born in the early 1970s, Nicky Draper is in her mid-50s as of 2025.
3. Did Nicky Draper coach Jack Draper?
Yes, she was Jack’s first coach and played a crucial role in developing his early skills and mindset.
4. Are Roger and Nicky Draper still together?
They are not together as a couple but remain connected through their children and shared tennis background.
5. What is Nicky Draper’s legacy in tennis?
Her legacy lies in her own junior career and in shaping Jack Draper’s professional journey as one of Britain’s rising stars.
