Sue Barker has revealed that John McEnroe is a huge admirer of Jack Draper as the British tennis star prepares to play at Wimbledon.
The prestigious event will commence on June 30, with Draper among the favourites to go all the way at SW19.
The 23-year-old has risen to No 4 in the world rankings and previously made the semi-finals of last year's US Open, where he lost to Jannik Sinner.
Though both Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are widely expected to compete in this year's final, Draper will fancy his chances - having defeated both men in the past.
Sue Barker has revealed that John McEnroe is a huge admirer of Jack Draper as the British tennis star prepares to play at Wimbledon
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Barker, speaking to the Independent, has revealed that McEnroe is a huge fan of Draper - who she believes has been a 'revelation' for the sport.
The 69-year-old tennis icon said: "Jack has just been a revelation.
“I spoke to him a couple of years ago when he was having shoulder issues and wondering whether he’d ever play again, and now to see him – what the heck was wrong with his shoulder, because now these bullets are coming out, the serve, the ground shots he’s hitting!
"Most impressive is physically how he’s changed. He’s super-strong now, but I guess he has to be to compete with the top guys.
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“We always wondered who was ever going to take over from Roger, Rafa, Novak, and Andy. Now we have the answer.
"I thought we’d have a few lean years, but these guys are amazing.
"And now to have Jack right up there, being talked about in the same sentence, is fantastic.”
Barker continued: “There’s so much pressure on British players, so I don't want to put a huge amount of pressure on him - but I will!
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Jack Draper is among the favourites to win this year's Wimbledon
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"Because he’s being talked about as a grand slam champion, a multiple grand slam champion, and this is in an era of Alcaraz and Sinner.
"And it’s not just me saying it: John McEnroe, who I bow down to [for] his greater experience, is so excited by Jack and what he can achieve.”
Unlike Alcaraz and Sinner, Draper is yet to win a major.
Barker, however, insists there's nothing lacking from his game - insisting the youngster is the complete package.
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“He’s doing everything he can, he’s got the weapons, because it’s going to be the serve and the forehand [that make the difference], he’s got such power," she said.
“Those guys are like little road runners, which Jack isn’t going to be; he’s strong. They’re like little Duracell batteries. Whereas Jack, physically, is going to bash them off the court.
“He certainly has the game to take to them, absolutely. The way he’s improved in the last two years, I can't wait to see what he does now.”
Sue Barker and John McEnroe used to work together for the BBC at Wimbledon matches
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Draper remains somewhat a Wimbledon rookie as next week's tournament looms.
He has made just three main-draw appearances at the Championships, winning two of his five matches.
Draper lost to fellow Briton Cam Norrie last year at Wimbledon but will now be hoping to go all the way as he seeks a first Grand Slam triumph of his career.
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