While Draper, who partnered Sinner at the Omnium Banque Nationale in Montréal, has vivid memories of competing against Sinner as a junior, Sinner confessed he was hazier on the details after defeating Daniil Medvedev just before midnight on Wednesday:
Q. I know you might not remember, but Jack said he remembers playing you in doubles under-18 and he thought you were the weaker player. He wanted to hit it to you, not your partner. You might not remember that match, but what are your memories of him as a junior and being maybe not the strongest player as a junior?
JANNIK SINNER:In juniors, I was never good (smiling). I don’t remember playing against him in doubles, but I do remember seeing him from outside. Obviously lefty, it’s also tough to see, or there are less lefties than righties. You know, his ball striking was always very, very good.
It was nice to share the court with him in doubles in Montreal. You know, we got to know each other even more. You know, we text each other when we have good or bad times, you know, trying to keep us up. It’s a great friendship. Obviously we try to put this away for the hours we are on court. I think that’s quite obvious. But, you know, it’s whenever we shake our hands, it’s again friendship back and all is going to be good.
Yeah, I don’t remember so many things when I was juniors. Also, because I didn’t play so many, so, yeah.
With the US Open final in sight, the two will aim to play a match neither will forget on Arthur Ashe Stadium in less than 48 hours’ time.
